Obama holds the Stanley Cup at an event honoring the previous champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
by Mike Memoli
The first hometown team to visit the Obama White House as champions will be the Blackhawks, after Wednesday's stirring overtime victory in Game 6 of the NHL's Stanley Cup Finals. The president today phoned head coach Joe Quenneville to congratulate him and the team, saying he was proud of them as a Chicagoan.
"The pair joked that the President would now have bragging rights over Vice President Biden, a Philadelphia Flyers fan," the White House said today. "He reiterated that the Blackhawks' victory was great for the city of Chicago and said he looked forward to welcoming the team at the White House."
Obama, known to be a hoops fan above all, did invite the Bulls to the White House early in his term. But the Blackhawks will be the first Chicago franchise to come with some championship hardware.
The team has already been honored on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Senators Dick Durbin and Roland Burris delivered speeches celebrating the win, just after a measure on regulating carbon emissions failed.
Rep. Mike Quigley (D), who himself hoisted the cup last night, spoke from the House floor as well.
"Madam Speaker, you have no idea how much I'm going to enjoy this," he began. "Today, for all of us, with apologies, Chicago is 'My Kind of Town.'"
Comments
I thought he was first and foremost a White Sox fan. You know, the team that he loves that plays at ComiNskey Field???
Posted by: John D | June 10, 2010 7:41 PM
Go HAWKS!
Chi-town Rocks!
.
Posted by: That "hope and changy" thing is working out GREAT! | June 10, 2010 10:14 PM
It's still a "win" for Chicago! Yeah!!!
Posted by: HmongRodneyKing | June 11, 2010 1:05 AM
Would that Field be any where near, " Mission Accomplished " or that great arsenal of WMD !!? Probably not, but what the heck, they were some great lies !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | June 11, 2010 2:34 AM
Awesome game and awesome series even with the horrible officiating.Really seen smiling faces on the photo with the President its there party time.
Posted by: m3 ds | June 11, 2010 2:47 AM
The White House said today. He reiterated that the Blackhawks win was the big city, Chicago, and said it expects to welcome the team at the White House.
Posted by: memory card reader | June 11, 2010 6:14 AM
Say, what size ball do they use in hockey?
Posted by: Barry | June 11, 2010 6:32 AM
John D:
Why do you hate the Blackhawks? Can't you ever be happy about ANYTHING?
I hope the team has a great time at the WH. They worked hard and deserve it and the publicity it brings.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | June 11, 2010 6:54 AM
I wonder if he will talk about how well the Hawks paly at the American Airlines Center. Who is his favorite player? Will he go with Dustin Byfuglien? If so, will he pronounce his name correctly. Also, how much credit will he try to take for the Hawks season. like he did with Mark Buehrle's perfect game last summer.
Posted by: Terry | June 11, 2010 7:49 AM
The Hawks should fill the cup with oil and dump it all over the floor of the press conference. There's a political statement. And now more ammo for John Stewart....
Posted by: wingnutmaster | June 11, 2010 8:37 AM
Knowing Chicago politics, can anyone ensure that the Stanley Cup, was on the up and up.
Posted by: Paul | June 13, 2010 10:12 AM
He could take it and use it to plug the hole in the Gulf. It would be the most ingenious use of his power to date. (and that is saying a lot.)
Posted by: hmm | June 13, 2010 7:03 PM