WNY to say good bye to hockey legend

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Thousands of western New Yorkers will gather to say good bye to hockey legend, Rick Martin.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said, "There wasn't anybody who could shoot the pucks like Rico could."

"We lost a heck of a guy," said Ruff.

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The Sabres community united in mourning last week as French Connection winger Rick Martin died of a heart attack while driving in Clarence.

Teammates and coaches remember Martin as a fierce competitor, prolific scorer, and an all-around great guy.

Martin's former teammate Mike Robitaille said, "What he stands for is to have fun and laugh. Man. We should have the biggest party in the world for Richard."

And that's what's happening Thursday, as fans head to HSBC Arena to honor number seven one last time.

It's the same place where fans saw him last take the ice with his French Connection linemates Gilbert Perrault and Rene Robert to welcome owner Terry Pegula to the team.

Sabres owner Terry Pegula said, "We had a lot of plans for the future for these guys and I'll guess we'll just have an empty chair around."