Chicago Blackhawks at the White House

Earlier today President Obama welcomed the 2010 Stanley Cup Champions Chicago Blackhawks to the White House. As he mentioned in his remarks he's welcomed a lot of teams and athletes to the White House but this one was different.

This one is a little sweeter. ... It's the first time during my presidency I get to welcome a world champion from my hometown, Chicago.

President Obama brought attention to Chicago's history of long championship droughts.

Finally, I want to congratulate all the fans.  We have a proud tradition in Chicago of believing that no matter how long it takes, how much we have to endure, it’s only a matter of time before our team finally wins it all.  (Laughter.)  The waiting builds character.  We have a lot of character.  (Laughter.)   

The Blackhawks last won the Stanley Cup in 1961 and that led President Obama to take a stroll down memory lane.

Now, I have to say, even by Chicago standards, 49 years, that’s a pretty long time.  (Laughter.)  To put that in perspective, the last time the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, a movie cost 69 cents.  JFK had just moved into the White House.  I was still in diapers.  (Laughter.)  And when the legendary Glenn Hall played goalie for the Hawks, he did it with a wooden stick and no mask.

To be honest as big a sports fan Barack Obama is I highly doubt he knows who Glenn Hall is. Since become President he has attended MLB, NBA, WNBA and NCAA events but the NHL has not received the same love from him. He hasn't attended a Washington Capitals game despite them having one of the best players in the league Alex Ovechkin. He even passed up on watching the Blackhawks during their Stanley Cup run last year when he was on a trip to Chicago. 

Transcript of Obama's remarks.


Obama received a #44 Blackhawks jersey as well as a replica of the Stanley Cup.

Photo courtesy of Getty 

Photo courtesy of Getty

Later in the day the team joined First Lady Michelle Obama on the White House lawn for an event that was part of "Lets Move" campaign. She received a Team USA jersey with name "FLOTUS" and the number 1 on the back from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and David Ogrean from USA Hockey. During the event the NHL announced a partnership with the "Lets Move" campaign. The NHL has launched a website to promote their efforts. Mike Memoli had a great line about FLOTUS and Bettman. 

Gary Bettman standing next to Michelle Obama. At least a 50-point approval gap between the two.

Actually a 50 point gap is being quiet generous to Gary Bettman. 

Getty Images. 

Hockey and politics mixed later in the day too at the Verizon Center for the 3rd annual Congressional hockey game.
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