Blackhawks excited for Thursday's visit with Obama

It never gets old.

That was the overwhelming sentiment among Chicago Blackhawks players when they were asked about being honored on Thursday by President Barack Obama at the White House for the third time in six years.

"Obviously that's one of the things that you kind of look forward to after winning the championship," Patrick Kane said.

The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday Central time.

"It'll be special again to see him and to be in that atmosphere and to kind of re-celebrate our win again a little bit," Jonathan Toews said.

Toews said he hopes Obama "knows a little bit more" about hockey since the first time the Hawks were invited in 2010. Regardless, the captain has always been impressed by the aura that Obama exudes.

"When he walks in a room, he's one of those people - you know, you don't meet too many of them in your lifetime - but that really have that presence," Toews said. "It's pretty cool to be in that atmosphere."

The Hawks play in New York tonight against the Rangers.

Said Kane: "Obviously (meeting the President is) not something a lot of people can say they've done or will do. We love that opportunity and cherish that."