Obama hosting Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks at White House

(Blackhawks Video Center)

CHICAGO (AP) — President Barack Obama will host his hometown Stanley Cup-winning Chicago Blackhawks at the White House next week.

The White House said Thursday afternoon that Obama will welcome the team on Thursday, Feb. 18, to celebrate their 2015 championship.

Obama last June called Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, captain Jonathan Toews and chairman Rocky Wirtz to offer congratulations on the team's victory. He told them he was looking forward to hosting them again in Washington.

The Blackhawks won the team's third championship in six years.