If you grew up a hockey fan in Buffalo, the words “French Connection” are synonymous with “Sabres royalty.”

The infamous trio of Hall-of-Fame center Gilbert Perreault, left wing Rick Martin and right wing Rene Robert left an everlasting impression on Sabres history as one of the NHL’s most impressive offensive units. Playing together from 1972 to 1979, the Sabres made it to the playoffs six times, including an appearance in the 1975 Stanley Cup Finals.

The French Connection legacy will be cemented into memory with the unveiling of a bronze statue of the trio, which will serve as the anchor of the new Buffalo Sabres Alumni Plaza. Constructed by sports sculptor, Jerry McKenna the staue will emulate the famous image of Perreault, Martin and Robert from a playoff game in April of 1975 seen below.

The rare photograph was shot by Ron Moscati and is also significant in that all three players scored a goal in that game, which secured a playoff win against the Montreal Canadiens.

The unveiling of the French Connection statue will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday at Alumni Plaza, the same date that the trio first played together on a line in Oct. 1972. The plaza will also serve as an acknowledgement to the 400+ players who have played for the Sabres throughout the team’s 42 year history.

Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula will be in attendance in addition to over 30 Sabres alumni, sculptor Jerry McKenna, photographer Ron Moscati and Sabres broadcaster Rick Jeanneret.

As a sneak peak, the Sabres also teased this photo of the statue on Tuesday.

For more information on the French Connection unveiling, head over the Buffalo Sabres’ website.

Photo courtesy of Twitter / Buffalo Sabres.