On November 4, the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the President’s praise for their Stanley Cup win. The Blackhawks won the NHL’s grandest title last year on June 22, 2013, in a thrilling fashion. They beat the Boston Bruins by tying the game late in the third period and then scoring the game winning goal 17 seconds later, therefore, clinching the series 4-2.
The unbelievable victory of the 2012-2013 Chicago Blackhawks earned them an invitation to visit President Obama at the White House. The team was honored with a speech by the President who, being a Chicagoan, was thrilled with the Hawk’s second title in the past three years. He praised the team’s victory and called attention to other sports teams from Chicago, saying to them, according the USA Today: “I am term-limited, so you guys got to get moving.”
President Obama noted that the Blackhawks franchise was not only skillful on the ice but caring out in the community as well. Their contributions to Chicago charities that aid with homelessness, sickness, abuse, disability, education, and fitness have helped the greater Chicago area as well as those around the country. These caring contributions were emphasized by the team’s trip the same day to Walter Reed Medical Center, a facility for wounded warriors.
The players and staff spent time with troops, chatting and meeting many of the soldiers. Some of the Blackhawks even got the chance to catch up with some of the troops, having met them when the Hawks played 20 on 20 with them at Soldier Field last winter.
Many of the troops asked the members of the cup-winning team to sign memorabilia for them, but as the CEO/president of the Hawks, John McDonough put it, as stated by the Daily Herald, “We should be asking for [their] autographs.” The team was awe-inspired at the braveness of the warriors who serve our country day in and day out. It brought them back into perspective that though the day may have been a day of recognition for the hockey team, it was more importantly a day to honor the people that truly carry our country.
Back in 2011 when the Hawks took a similar trip to Washington, D.C., to recognize their 2010 victory, McDonough felt that it was one of the team’s most vital days off. On Monday, the feeling was familiar yet again.