President Obama pays tribute to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Following tradition President Barrack Obama honored the winners of the National Hockey League's biggest prize, and much to his delight his home state of Illinois once again proved triumphant and it was the Chicago Blackhawks that Obama welcome to the White House.

“It is always fun to have the Stanley Cup here,” Obama said, per the Chicago Tribune. “It truly is the best trophy in sports. I’ll admit I was hoping you’d give me a day with it this time around. Before I was President, I just want to point out … the Blackhawks had gone almost half a century without seeing this thing. Now you’ve got the hat trick. So I think it’s pretty clear the kind of luck I’ve brought to this team.”

Obama took special care to name two players who he believed were particularly worthy of recognition, and the names may surprise you. Obama gave a big shout out to Scott Darling who played a huge role in getting the Blackhawks to the Cup final, as well as veteran defeseman Kimmo Timonen who overcame a serious illness earlier in the season with Philadelphia to eventually hoist his only Stanley Cup Championship.

Timmonen seemed particularly taken aback by the mention from the President, and he told the NHL's Adam Kimelman that he nearly broke down in tears when he heard Obama mention his name.

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