http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabre ... 366076.ece
Updated: March 13, 2011, 3:33 PM
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 told The News 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 area’s attention.
Martin helped welcome new Sabres owner Terry Pegula to town late last month, skating onto the ice with Perreault and Robert and shaking Pegula’s hand at center ice as the fans in HSBC Arena cheered.
Late this afternoon, the Sabres released this statement:
"The Buffalo Sabres are saddened to announce the passing of Buffalo Sabres Hall of Famer and member of the famed French Connection, Rick Martin. Rick was not only one of the greatest players in franchise history, he was a great friend to the Sabres organization and the entire community. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Sabres organization go out to his wife Mikey and their two sons, Corey and Josh."
State police in Clarence have called a 3:30 p.m. news conference regarding the crash. Captain Michael Nigrelli of the State Police told reporters at the barracks that members of the Sabres alumni were being notified this afternoon.
