Posted on 03/13/2011 12:21:41 PM PDT by mikrofon
Rick Martin, one-third of the most fabled line in Buffalo Sabres history, died today of a heart attack. He was 59.
Martin reportedly had a heart attack while driving in Clarence, a law enforcement officer said on the condition of anonymity.
Martin became etched in local lore as the high-scoring winger on the "French Connection," skating alongside Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert as the infant Sabres captured the areas attention.
Martin helped welcome new Sabres owner Terry Pegula to town late last month, skating onto the ice with Perreault and Robert and shaking Pegulas hand at center ice as the fans in HSBC Arena cheered.
I thought it was Ricky Martin. Livin’ la vida loca can kill ya.
Gnip
BUMP up to hockey fandom...
R.I.P.
RIP : (
Rest in Peace.
Yep, I also thought it was Ricky since he came out of the homosexual closet a few years ago. That lifestyle choice, unfortunately, will still probably kill him.
Back in 1975, the Red Army came to America to play hockey.
The Red Army destroyed the New York Rangers in the first game, 7-3. The Pittsburgh Penguins hardly fared better, losing 7-4. On New Year's Eve the Montreal Canadiens withstood the Russian's fast play to hold on for a 3-3 tie in the third game of the Series, but still could not defeat the Red Army.
Then the Russians came to Buffalo.
On Jan. 4, 1976, the Sabres handed the Ruskies what turned out to be their worst defeat in international play - a 12-6 trouncing at Memorial Auditorium. I was there.
The game was among Buffalo's most memorable performances with The French Connection - Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert - producing the offense with nine points (4+5) while Jerry Korab led with the physical play that the Russians could not overcome.
This may have been the best hockey game ever played.
Sad news! Rick was truely one of the best and most gifted hockey players the Sabres ever had - 1/3 of the greatest Line ever! His talent, energy, and effort given to the game of hockey and to Sabre fans will always be remembered. Thanks for the memories Rick and rest in peace Rick!
RIP.
One year the "French Connection" was in a scoring slump. The coach put together a two hour highlights film, and the team watched it together. Amazingly, the slump ended.
They were a joy to watch.
Too young to leave. RIP Rick.
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