Rick Martin facts for kids

Richard Lionel Martin (born July 26, 1951 – died March 13, 2011) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played as a left winger in the NHL. Rick Martin played for the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings. His career lasted for 11 seasons, from 1971 to 1982.

He was a key player in the 1975 Stanley Cup Finals with the Sabres. Martin was most famous for being part of "The French Connection line." This was a super-star trio with Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert. They were known for their amazing teamwork.

Rick Martin: Hockey Star

Early Career and Rise to Fame

Rick Martin was chosen fifth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft. Before joining the NHL, he played for the Montreal Junior Canadiens. This was a junior team in the OHA.

He played 685 games in his NHL career. Martin scored 384 goals and made 317 assists. This gave him a total of 701 points. His best season was 1974–75. He scored 52 goals and 95 points in just 68 games that year.

Martin scored at least 44 goals five times in his NHL career. He was picked to play in seven straight National Hockey League All-Star Games. He was also named a top NHL All-Star left wing twice.

The French Connection Line

Rick Martin holds many records for the Buffalo Sabres team. He has the most "hat tricks" (three goals in one game). He also has the most four-goal games. Martin is tied for the most 50-goal seasons.

He is also ranked high in NHL history for goals per game. His famous "French Connection" line with Perreault and Robert was legendary. They were known for their speed and scoring power.

Facing Tough Injuries

Rick Martin faced some very serious injuries during his career. On February 9, 1978, he had a bad fall on the ice. He hit his head and was knocked out. This incident helped make helmets a more common sight for players.

Later, on November 8, 1980, Martin suffered a severe knee injury. This happened during a game against the Washington Capitals. The injury caused serious damage to his knee. It greatly affected the rest of his playing career.

Honored Career

After his knee injury, Martin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He played only a few more games before he stopped playing hockey. In 1989, Rick Martin was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame. He joined his "French Connection" teammates.

His jersey number 7 was retired by the Sabres on November 15, 1995. It hangs next to Rene Robert's #14 and Gilbert Perreault's #11. In 2005, Martin was also inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.

In 2010, he was ranked among the top Sabres players of all time. After he passed away in 2011, the Sabres honored him. They painted his number 7 behind each goal for the rest of the season. In 2012, a statue of "The French Connection" was put up. It stands outside the Sabres' arena.

Amazing Achievements

• 1st Team All Star (1973–74)
• 1st Team All Star (1974–75)
• 2nd Team All Star (1975–76)
• 2nd Team All Star (1976–77)
• 7 Straight NHL All Star Game Appearances (1972–1978)
• 3rd All Time in Hat Tricks (21) among Left Wingers (Modern Era)
• 11th All Time in Career Goals Per Game Average in NHL History
• Gold Championship Canada Cup 1976 (Team Canada)
• 5 "Top 10" finishes in Goals
• 2 "Top 10" finishes in Points
• 5 "Top 10" finishes in Even Strength Goals
• 3 "Top 10" finishes in Game Winning Goals
• 5 "Top 10" finishes in Power Play Goals
• 5 "Top 10" finishes in Goals Per Game Average
• 2 "Top 10" finishes in Points Per Game Average
• 6 Team Scoring Records (Buffalo Sabres)
• #7 Team Jersey Retired (Buffalo Sabres)
• Buffalo Sabres Hall Of Famer

Life Off the Ice

Rick Martin and his wife, Mikey, owned businesses in Williamsville, New York. These companies helped with staffing solutions. They had three sons together: Cory, Josh, and Erick.

Martin also owned a bar and restaurant called Slapshot. It was located in Niagara Falls, New York.

Rick Martin passed away on March 13, 2011, in Clarence, New York. He was 59 years old. He died from a heart attack while driving. Later, doctors found that Martin had a brain condition. This condition is called chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It is often linked to head injuries. The damage was likely from a serious concussion he had in 1978. This condition did not affect his thinking abilities during his life.

Career Stats

Regular season and playoffs

International Play