When and why did Mike Lange retire? Health struggles explored as Legendary penguins announcer dies at 76

Legendary Pittsburgh Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange passed away at the age of 76 on February 2, 2025. Lange spent nearly five decades calling games for the Penguins and had become one of the most familiar voices in hockey.

But in 2021 he decided that it was time to retire. Here’s a closer look at when and why Mike Lange stepped away from the microphone and how his health struggles factored into his decision.

Mike Lange officially retired from broadcasting, after 46 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, on August 9, 2021. By then, he had begun to scale back his workload, cutting back on appearances both for health reasons and because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lange had been with the organization since 1974, took a break in between, and later came back in 1976. In his retirement statement, Lange looked back on his successful career and stated that the show was in good hands and would continue to do good after his retirement.

"The best consolation to stepping away is knowing that the broadcast couldn’t be in better hands with the very talented Josh Getzoff, and the Ole ’29-er, Phil Bourque."

According to a 2021 article by NBC Sports, Lange’s decision to retire was motivated largely by health issues. In the years before his retirement, he had battled several health issues that made it difficult for him to keep up with his shooting schedule.

In the 2020-21 season, he called most of the Penguins’ games remotely because of the pandemic. Health issues, including staged surgeries and age-related concerns, reportedly played a role as well.

Mike Lange’s Legacy in Hockey Broadcasting

Mike Lange, who hails from Sacramento, California, studied broadcasting at Sacramento State before joining minor league hockey teams such as the Phoenix Roadrunners and San Diego Gulls. He had also called games for the Washington Diplomats soccer team before joining the Penguins.

Lange started his NHL career as the Penguins’ play-by-play radio announcer during the 1974-1975 season. After a short absence, he came back in 1976 and later became the television announcer for Penguins’ from 2005-2006.

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced his death in a statement. However, the cause of his death has not been confirmed. Commemorating his death Penguins wrote:

"Mike was so much more than a legendary broadcaster. He was respected by the players and coaches and beloved by the fans. Because of him, Hockey Nights in Pittsburgh had the entire city ‘smilin’ like a butcher’s dog.’"

At the conclusion of his 45th season with the team, Lange was honored in 2019 by the Pittsburgh Penguins who named the press box at PPG Paints Arena the “Mike Lange Media Level” in recognition of his contributions to the franchise.