Obama On Chicago Blackhawks' Stanley Cup Win: Thanks, Obama!

President Barack Obama welcomed the Chicago Blackhawks to the White House on Thursday to celebrate the team's third Stanley Cup win since he took office. 

Before his presidency, he pointed out, "the Blackhawks had gone almost half a century" without a championship win. The team from Obama's old stomping grounds has taken home the Stanley Cup six times total.

"Now you've got the hat trick, so I think it's pretty clear the kind of luck I've brought to this team," he joked. 

Obama called the Stanley Cup "the best trophy in sports" as he held the ultimate symbol of hockey success. 

"And by the way, we've got a state dinner with Canada coming up, so we may just have to leave it right in the middle of the room," he added.

The president recognized Blackhawks defenseman Kimmo Timonen for overcoming blood clots last year and helping carry the team through its championship. He also praised goaltender Scott Darling, who paid for an Arizona resident to live in a hotel for a month because he was "down on his luck."  

Blackhawks owner and Chairman Rocky Wirtz gifted Obama a replica Stanley Cup, a team jersey and a parking pass for the United Center -- the home stadium of both the Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls.

"This is really cool," Obama said of the parking pass. "I might sell this on eBay."

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