An era ended Monday.
Mike Lange retired as the Penguins play-by-play announcer.
Since 1974, including the team’s Stanley Cup wins in ‘91 and ‘92 on KDKA Radio, he made hockey games exciting and fun, conveying the intensity of the game but also celebrating great moments with the enthusiasm of a child.
Fans love Mike’s clever and original sayings like: slap me silly Sidney, scratch my back with a hacksaw, buy Sam a drink and get his dog one too, and he beat him like a rented mule.
Lange’s talents are not limited to hockey. He was part of Pirates broadcasts in 1986 and ‘87.
Luckily, fans will be able to enjoy his wit and insight in future Penguins programs.
Some of this week’s tributes called Lange a broadcasting legend and an absolute treasure.
Perhaps the best salute came from a former Pens player who said: He’s a Pittsburgher.