French Connection statue commissioned

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula has commissioned a bronze statue of the team's famed French Connection line.

The 10-foot likeness of the 1970s-era trio of French Canadians Gilbert Perreault, Rene Robert and the late Rick Martin will be the centerpiece of a newly renamed "Alumni Plaza" outside of First Niagara Center.

Sabres President Ted Black announced the project Thursday. He says the statue is inspired by a photo taken during a 1975 game and is being sculpted by Texas artist Jerry McKenna. It'll be unveiled Oct. 12 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the French Connection's first playing together in 1972.

The forward line stayed together until 1979 and is still revered in Buffalo.

Martin died last year of complications due to heart disease.