Confirmed with Link: Legendary Pens broadcaster Mike Lange dies at age 76

[Randy Butternubs]

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

Just saw an article on this too that I wanted to share:

Riding the Bus With Jagr | By Mike Lange

Twenty-six years later, lots of Mike Lange catchphrases have come and gone. But that one, beyond a shadow of a doubt, will always be my favorite of the bunch.

www.theplayerstribune.com

This is an outstanding read. Encourage everyone to look at it

 

[Honour Over Glory]

The moment his voice wasn't an option to hear during penguins game via video or radio, the games just didn't feel as lively and electric.

RIP Mike, I have fond memories of meeting him and like many others, he always conducted himself with class and kindness around fans.

 

[Honour Over Glory]

Also what makes this extra sad is looking at the current state of affairs re: the broadcast team. How far we've fallen.

It feels corporate and soulless, Bob Errey was the only remnant of anything that resembled a soul for the broadcast team and tv personalty, as well as Potash, the rest just sound like robotic corporate shills.

 

[Ulf5]

For Pittsburgh kids Vince Trocheck and J.T. Miller, Mike Lange was soundtrack to childhood

When Vincent Trocheck was growing up just outside of Pittsburgh in Upper St. Clair, he wouldn't just try to emulate the Penguins' players in the games he'd play in his basement.

www.dkpittsburghsports.com

 

[BusinessGoose]

I too would say "he shoooots he scorrrres" like lange while playing street hockey in the summers with my friends

 

[AlphaLackey]

In the late 90s, after my Jets had left town, I’d still listen to hockey games on the burgeoning new tech of “internet radio”; without a team, I quickly came to favor Pens games simply because of Mike Lange and, of course, “The ‘ol Two-Niner!” Phil Bourque.

I absolutely loved Lange’s style, and I (as so many) found many excuses to work his catchphrases into my daily life.

May he now begin to Rest in Peace.

 

[spiny norman]

A true legend.

RIP

 

[Buddy Bizarre]

I too would say "he shoooots he scorrrres" like lange while playing street hockey in the summers with my friends

That and playing NHL games on Sega Genesis.

 

[Shrimper]

Do you reckon they'll do a Banner Raising with his name?

 

[eXile3]

Sounds like some kind of ceremony before Saturdays game.

 

[BobCole]

I too would say "he shoooots he scorrrres" like lange while playing street hockey in the summers with my friends

I used to do this while watching Pens games with my college roommates. Drove them nuts for a while until it just became an in-joke between us. On the odd occasion one of us was lucky enough to leave the bar with a girl, the rest of us would exclaim, "HEEEEEEEEEEE SHOOTS AND SCORES."

 

[Ugene Magic]

 

[BusinessGoose]

Do you reckon they'll do a Banner Raising with his name?

I can't see doing that

Maybe a bronze mic/bust statue out front one day

I imagine just a video/audio tribute, it would be cool to do on ice projections of some of the best calls.. PPG have projection capability?

 

[mrzeigler]

I became a fan of this team during the 86/87 season. Back then, only a handful of game were broadcast on TV (at least in my noncable household) -- and when they were, they were on WPGH, channel 53, which always had terrible reception in my house. The radio broadcasts of games quickly became appointment listening for me, it was like it was the 1930s, how the radio would hold someone's attention during prime time.

Lange's ability to describe & teach the game while also conveying just how otherworldly Mario's talents were ... I can't overstate how important he was to helping cultivate my love for the game.

Also, something as simple as his starting out each period explaining that the Pens were attacking "from left to right on your radio dial" ... little details like that invited the listener to "see" plays develop as Lange described them.