United States President Barack Obama welcomed the 2009 Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins to the White House on Thursday, and celebrated the hockey team for its performance on and off the ice. The Penguins won the best-of-seven series in June, defeating the defending champion Detroit Red Wings. They then took the cup on a road trip to thank their fans, an act that earned the players the thanks of a grateful president. “They took it on fishing trips and stopped by neighbourhood barbecues. They visited elementary schools and brightened the days of children recovering in the hospital,” Obama said. “This is a team that understands that being a champion doesn’t end when you step off the ice.”