Obama teases Bruins' Marchand at White House

U.S. President Barack Obama called Nova Scotia's Brad Marchand a "little ball of hate" who made good at the White House Monday.

Obama was hosting the Stanley Cup-winning Bruins. Marchand, who is from Hammonds Plains near Halifax, played a key role in the seven-game victory over the Vancouver Canucks.

"Brad Marchand went into the season playing on the fourth line but the 'Little Ball of Hate' shrugged off the rookie jitters and uh," Obama said, before stopping as the audience laughed. He then turned around to speak to Marchand.

"What's up with that nickname, man?"

Obama went on. "He scored five goals in the last five games of the series after two series-winning goals to lead the Bruins to the championships," he said

Marchand was suspended for 5 games this year after an illegalhit against Vancouver Canucks defenceman Sami Salo.

The Bruins are having another strong season. They're heading into All-Star break tried for first place in theNHL Eastern Conference.