Blackhawks Visit White House and Walter Reed

Definitely an honor and a thrill for the Blackhawks to visit with President Barack Obama at the White House.  It's the second time in three years (four seasons) that the President has welcomed them.  It's always a curiosity to see athletes in business suits, or everyday clothing, outside the playing arena.  So for these Cup winners, it's no different.  

Hey, by the way, do fans get to come along next time?  

Chairman Rocky Wirtz thanks President Barack Obama, on behalf of the Blackhawks 

Captain Jonathan Toews adds a second jersey to President Obama's wardrobe

A keepsake photo for all people of Blackhawks `country

Image credits: President Obama honors Blackhawks for 2013 Cup win.

I enjoyed hearing about the President lauding Jonathan Toews' leadership, recognizing Bryan Bickell's and Dave Bolland's 17-second goals, and joking about Corey Crawford's best speech ever at the Grant Park rally.  More quotes and comments in Blackhawks honored at the White House.

Jonathan Toews bring a Blackhawks keepsake to the Walter Reed Medical Center

Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews hang out with an injured veteran

Corey Crawford shares his coveted piece of jewelry

Another keepsake photo for all people of Blackhawks `country

Image credits: Walter Reed Medical Center Visit.

“Once you get here, you forget about whether you’re tired or hurting,” said Toews, who has captained the team to two championships in four years. “You don’t think about what your normal day off is. There are plenty of those. This is amazing. To be with the President of the United States again, and before that, our soldiers… You think you’re going to cheer them up by seeing them. It’s the opposite. We feed off them. These are the real heroes.”

“Nothing hurts on me now,” said Johnny Oduya. “If you come here sore, nothing hurts now. Not after seeing what these people have been through and their frame of mind. Look at them. All smiling.”

“As an American, it feels maybe a little extra special,” added Patrick Kane. “We think we make sacrifices as a group, but like I said when I went back home to Buffalo this summer and saw our servicemen and women: ‘I’m carrying a 35-pound Cup. You carry our country.’”

“Think about it,” concluded Brandon Bollig. “We take a hit in a game—a game!—for guys we know and care for. Our soldiers put their lives on the line in real life for complete strangers.”

“We should be asking for your autographs,” said [President and CEO John] McDonough. Nearby, a double amputee who has been in and out of the sprawling facility for two and a half years, lifted a black bag from behind his wheelchair. It was full of pucks. If only he could get a couple or three of them signed, he could start sprucing up his living quarters.

Reference: The Verdict: An important day off in DC.

Thank you for reading, and let me know what you think!

Ron Villejo, PhD