President Obama Recognizes Scott Darling's Kindness

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Obama has hosted the Chicago Blackhawks three times as NHL champions in his two terms in office. On Thursday, he urged them to win one more before he leaves.

He also took a moment to recognize one of the team’s lesser-known players, Lemont’s own Scott Darling, praising the backup goalie’s perseverance. He also drew attention to an act of kindness recently performed by Darling in Chicago. He helped a down-on-his-luck fellow by putting him up in a hotel and buying him groceries to help him get back on his feet.

Darlin’s kind act was made public by an Uber driver who had Darling and the man as passengers. Darling hasn’t commented much on the gesture, but the president did.

“I like to think that reflects something about our city, our Chicago. It’s a very American thing to do,” Obama said.

The Blackhawks presented Obama with a kind gesture, too, a parking pass for Blackhawks games.