Updated: March 13, 2011, 5:24 PM
Rick Martin, one-third of the most fabled line in Buffalo Sabres history, died today. He was 59.
The member of the "French Connection" died while driving in Clarence. The one-car accident was reported at 12:14 p.m., State Police Capt. Steven A. Nigrelli, commander of Zone II, said at a news conference this afternoon.
Martin, an Akron resident, was driving westbound on Main Street near Salt Road when he apparently had a medical emergency, Nigrelli said. Martin's 2001 Buick Lacrosse sedan drifted into the eastbound lane and off the road before smashing into a utility pole and a stanchion in a town-owned parking lot across the street from the Clarence Bowling Academy, according to police and fire officials. Martin did not strike any other vehicles and the only other occupant was his dog, a German shepherd.
Witnesses later told state police that Martin was slumped over the wheel, with his eyes closed, as the vehicle drifted off the road. He was wearing his seat belt and his airbags did deploy.
Two passers-by stopped to assist Martin and began performing CPR on him through the front, driver's side window that shattered in the accident, officials said. Trooper Ronald Nero was the first emergency responder on the scene and he, along with the civilians, pulled Martin out of the vehicle and continued to perform CPR on him.
Paramedics from the Clarence Fire Department and Twin City Ambulance responded and transported Martin in a fire department ambulance to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, where he was declared dead, said Clarence Fire Chief Marshall Helms.
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.
Robert was already reeling from tragic news when he heard about his former linemate's death at around 2:30 this afternoon. Early this morning, Robert got a phone call informing him that his*older brother, Real, had died of a heart attack in Montreal. Real, a musician, was the eldest of 10 children.
"It's like a bad dream," said Robert, who is in Florida visiting his daughter. "First my brother, then my left winger.*I lose Rico [Martin]. I tell you what. This one is going to be tough for everybody in Buffalo.
"It's too bad. [Owner Terry] Pegula just put us together. He told us, 'You guys are going to be here now until you die.' "
Perreault, the center on the French Connection line, was watching hockey at his home in Victoriaville when he heard the news.
"It's sad news," Perreault said. "It's a reminder that you never know in life. I mean, he was 59. That's young, and he always seemed to be in such good shape.
"I hadn't seen him much in the past 20 years, but you don't forget all the years you played together. We were together since my days in junior. I stayed at his house for a year. Oh, Rick was a guy with all the jokes. He was funny and people really enjoyed being in his presence. He was a great golfer, too. That was his passion after hockey."
Troopers are taking Martin's death hard because, Nigrelli said, Martin was a dedicated supporter of law enforcement and so many of them also know Martin from playing with him in area golf tournaments.
"Everyone knows Rico," Nigrelli said, recalling Martin's habit of smoking cigars and leaving behind the ashes on golf-course greens.
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.
The mood was somber this afternoon inside the Clarence Grille, a bar and restaurant where Martin was a regular.
"It's a very difficult day, you can understand," said a patron who declined to give his name but said he was a longtime friend of Martin's.
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."
jvogl@buffnews.com and swatson@buffnews.com
Comments
SORT:NEWEST FIRST | OLDEST FIRST
This is so sad to hear what happened to my friend Rick today. I come from Montreal and worked for a Bank in Buffal0 where I met Rick - We developed a great friendship and always enjoyed talking quebec-french around buffalo. We were together about 2-3 weeks ago and went eating at Chef's. Rick was so well-known there, he was telling me about how he knew the resto and the owner. At the game on December 23, he took us to the alumni club at the HSBC arena and introduced us to other hockey players. Did he like to joke around all the time but also, I can remember like it was yesterday, during the intermission, he was telling me how work is important and how help is appreciated when you work hard. It touched me since I come from Montreal also - he gave me, that day a very good and typical "Quebec-Talk" about working hard and to be proud of what we do. I stopped to see him last Tuesday at his office, not knowing which day he'd be back from vacation.
I can't believe I lost my good friend Rick. Having played hockey up North Quebec since I could walk, I could relate so good to Rick and his impressive professional career. He gave me signed pictures to give to my brother and friends just in December.
Rick was not only a friend but also a symbol of work and perseverence. He motivated me very much about work to always do our best.
I lost my father last October. Now I loose a friend.
May he rests in peace - "Richard, je me souviendrai toujours de toi mon ami. Tu vas nous manquer"
My prayers go to family and close friends,
Rock M.
ROCK MERINEAU, WEST SENECA, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 06:38 PM
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You were a member of one of the greatest lines to ever play the game of hockey in the French Connection. Sorry you won't be able to see the Sabres hoist the cup one day from down here. Hopefully one day you will be able to see it from up there. Number 7 in your playbooks Number 1 in the hearts of all Sabres fans forever R.I.P. Rick Martin.
JAMES GIBBS, ROCHESTER, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 04:32 PM
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Unreal. My favorite Sabre of all time, and I go back a LONG way. How sad. Rest in peace Rick.
MARK REMING, MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 04:29 PM
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I don't think Martin was hit in the face with the adding machine tape as I remember it was thrown on the ice very near him. Why someone would do that is beyond me. He was a great player and 1/3 of a great line. He will be remembered and it was great seeing them reunited on the ice with Pegula last month! Thanks for the memories and effort on the ice Rick and be at peace!
STEVE SANTOS, CASTRO VALLEY, CA on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 04:25 PM
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My heart is broken. Rick--you were the love of my life for the last 36 years. My Mom used to pull my sister and I out of school to watch you practice at Leisure Rinks. We would wait for autographs and you always obliged this adoring fan. My prayers are with your family and all of your adoring fans. RIP Rico!!! I will never forget you!
AMY DEWALT, LAKELAND, FL on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 04:19 PM
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Such sad news. I'll never forget watching Rick and the French Connection all through the 70's. What great memories! R.I.P., Rick
RICK LANGE, FREEDOM, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 04:14 PM
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How sad for us, how great for him as he is with Jesus (my dad died Saturday and have the same thoughts).
My Rick Martin memories:
My Sabres were beating up the North Stars and a rookie for the North Stars had a determined look to stop him. Martin skated at high speed, the kid tried to keep up, Rick stoped on a dime changed direction, the kid was lost, Gil gave a pass to Martin and he nearly scored. He was great and made it look easy.
As a rookie, Ric was interviewed and struggled with English, I still recall he talked slow and said: "Gilbert....teach.....me....tricks...." But he soon became very fluent....an intelligent man!
Before a big playoff game (Stanley Cup Final I think) he got hit in the face by a roll of adding machine paper before the game.
God Bless You Rick! I love you!
DANIEL MORGAN, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 03:55 PM
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Sabres gotta "win a cup for Rico" now. What better way to honor and remember him.
MIKE MINISTERO, KENMORE, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 03:55 PM
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Thank you Rick! I will always remember those early days! My heart goes out to his family at this very hard time.
MARY GORCZYCA, IRVING, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 03:40 PM
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RIP Rick.
Thanks for the memories.
MARVIN BROWN, BUFFALO, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 03:33 PM
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Rick Martin, one-third of the most fabled line in Buffalo Sabres history, died today. He was 59.
The member of the "French Connection" died while driving in Clarence. The one-car accident was reported at 12:14 p.m., State Police Capt. Steven A. Nigrelli, commander of Zone II, said at a news conference this afternoon.
Martin, an Akron resident, was driving westbound on Main Street near Salt Road when he apparently had a medical emergency, Nigrelli said. Martin's 2001 Buick Lacrosse sedan drifted into the eastbound lane and off the road before smashing into a utility pole and a stanchion in a town-owned parking lot across the street from the Clarence Bowling Academy, according to police and fire officials. Martin did not strike any other vehicles and the only other occupant was his dog, a German shepherd.
Witnesses later told state police that Martin was slumped over the wheel, with his eyes closed, as the vehicle drifted off the road. He was wearing his seat belt and his airbags did deploy.
Two passers-by stopped to assist Martin and began performing CPR on him through the front, driver's side window that shattered in the accident, officials said. Trooper Ronald Nero was the first emergency responder on the scene and he, along with the civilians, pulled Martin out of the vehicle and continued to perform CPR on him.
Paramedics from the Clarence Fire Department and Twin City Ambulance responded and transported Martin in a fire department ambulance to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, where he was declared dead, said Clarence Fire Chief Marshall Helms.
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.
Robert was already reeling from tragic news when he heard about his former linemate's death at around 2:30 this afternoon. Early this morning, Robert got a phone call informing him that his*older brother, Real, had died of a heart attack in Montreal. Real, a musician, was the eldest of 10 children.
"It's like a bad dream," said Robert, who is in Florida visiting his daughter. "First my brother, then my left winger.*I lose Rico [Martin]. I tell you what. This one is going to be tough for everybody in Buffalo.
"It's too bad. [Owner Terry] Pegula just put us together. He told us, 'You guys are going to be here now until you die.' "
Perreault, the center on the French Connection line, was watching hockey at his home in Victoriaville when he heard the news.
"It's sad news," Perreault said. "It's a reminder that you never know in life. I mean, he was 59. That's young, and he always seemed to be in such good shape.
"I hadn't seen him much in the past 20 years, but you don't forget all the years you played together. We were together since my days in junior. I stayed at his house for a year. Oh, Rick was a guy with all the jokes. He was funny and people really enjoyed being in his presence. He was a great golfer, too. That was his passion after hockey."
Troopers are taking Martin's death hard because, Nigrelli said, Martin was a dedicated supporter of law enforcement and so many of them also know Martin from playing with him in area golf tournaments.
"Everyone knows Rico," Nigrelli said, recalling Martin's habit of smoking cigars and leaving behind the ashes on golf-course greens.
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.
The mood was somber this afternoon inside the Clarence Grille, a bar and restaurant where Martin was a regular.
"It's a very difficult day, you can understand," said a patron who declined to give his name but said he was a longtime friend of Martin's.
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."
jvogl@buffnews.com and swatson@buffnews.com
Comments
SORT:NEWEST FIRST | OLDEST FIRST
This is so sad to hear what happened to my friend Rick today. I come from Montreal and worked for a Bank in Buffal0 where I met Rick - We developed a great friendship and always enjoyed talking quebec-french around buffalo. We were together about 2-3 weeks ago and went eating at Chef's. Rick was so well-known there, he was telling me about how he knew the resto and the owner. At the game on December 23, he took us to the alumni club at the HSBC arena and introduced us to other hockey players. Did he like to joke around all the time but also, I can remember like it was yesterday, during the intermission, he was telling me how work is important and how help is appreciated when you work hard. It touched me since I come from Montreal also - he gave me, that day a very good and typical "Quebec-Talk" about working hard and to be proud of what we do. I stopped to see him last Tuesday at his office, not knowing which day he'd be back from vacation.
I can't believe I lost my good friend Rick. Having played hockey up North Quebec since I could walk, I could relate so good to Rick and his impressive professional career. He gave me signed pictures to give to my brother and friends just in December.
Rick was not only a friend but also a symbol of work and perseverence. He motivated me very much about work to always do our best.
I lost my father last October. Now I loose a friend.
May he rests in peace - "Richard, je me souviendrai toujours de toi mon ami. Tu vas nous manquer"
My prayers go to family and close friends,
Rock M.
ROCK MERINEAU, WEST SENECA, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 06:38 PM
FLAG AS INAPPROPRIATE
You were a member of one of the greatest lines to ever play the game of hockey in the French Connection. Sorry you won't be able to see the Sabres hoist the cup one day from down here. Hopefully one day you will be able to see it from up there. Number 7 in your playbooks Number 1 in the hearts of all Sabres fans forever R.I.P. Rick Martin.
JAMES GIBBS, ROCHESTER, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 04:32 PM
FLAG AS INAPPROPRIATE
Unreal. My favorite Sabre of all time, and I go back a LONG way. How sad. Rest in peace Rick.
MARK REMING, MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 04:29 PM
FLAG AS INAPPROPRIATE
I don't think Martin was hit in the face with the adding machine tape as I remember it was thrown on the ice very near him. Why someone would do that is beyond me. He was a great player and 1/3 of a great line. He will be remembered and it was great seeing them reunited on the ice with Pegula last month! Thanks for the memories and effort on the ice Rick and be at peace!
STEVE SANTOS, CASTRO VALLEY, CA on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 04:25 PM
FLAG AS INAPPROPRIATE
My heart is broken. Rick--you were the love of my life for the last 36 years. My Mom used to pull my sister and I out of school to watch you practice at Leisure Rinks. We would wait for autographs and you always obliged this adoring fan. My prayers are with your family and all of your adoring fans. RIP Rico!!! I will never forget you!
AMY DEWALT, LAKELAND, FL on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 04:19 PM
FLAG AS INAPPROPRIATE
Such sad news. I'll never forget watching Rick and the French Connection all through the 70's. What great memories! R.I.P., Rick
RICK LANGE, FREEDOM, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 04:14 PM
FLAG AS INAPPROPRIATE
How sad for us, how great for him as he is with Jesus (my dad died Saturday and have the same thoughts).
My Rick Martin memories:
My Sabres were beating up the North Stars and a rookie for the North Stars had a determined look to stop him. Martin skated at high speed, the kid tried to keep up, Rick stoped on a dime changed direction, the kid was lost, Gil gave a pass to Martin and he nearly scored. He was great and made it look easy.
As a rookie, Ric was interviewed and struggled with English, I still recall he talked slow and said: "Gilbert....teach.....me....tricks...." But he soon became very fluent....an intelligent man!
Before a big playoff game (Stanley Cup Final I think) he got hit in the face by a roll of adding machine paper before the game.
God Bless You Rick! I love you!
DANIEL MORGAN, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 03:55 PM
FLAG AS INAPPROPRIATE
Sabres gotta "win a cup for Rico" now. What better way to honor and remember him.
MIKE MINISTERO, KENMORE, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 03:55 PM
FLAG AS INAPPROPRIATE
Thank you Rick! I will always remember those early days! My heart goes out to his family at this very hard time.
MARY GORCZYCA, IRVING, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 03:40 PM
FLAG AS INAPPROPRIATE
RIP Rick.
Thanks for the memories.
MARVIN BROWN, BUFFALO, NY on Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 03:33 PM
FLAG AS INAPPROPRIATE
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