Trump noted that the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, NCAA football champion Clemson Tigers and World Series champion Chicago Cubs visited the White House this year prior to the Penguins.
"This is really a truly great group of world champions," Trump said. "That's what they are. They're world champions."
As Sullivan said, the Penguins roster includes players from six countries -- the United States, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland and Germany.
"So anytime you have an opportunity to visit the White House and see it up close and personal with the history and what the White House represents to the United States, I think it certainly is a terrific experience," Sullivan said.
Before the reception in the East Room, the Penguins met with Trump in the Oval Office and presented him with a gift. Trump opened his remarks by addressing the people in California dealing with wildfires there, and said he told California governor Jerry Brown "that the federal government will stand with the people of California and we will be there for you in this time of terrible tragedy and need."
Trump also offered his prayers for the victims of the mass shooting in Las Vegas and of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. He praised the Penguins for their charitable work in Pittsburgh and their recent donations to the hurricane and mass shooting victims and to the first responders who have worked tirelessly to help them.
"Your generosity has shown the true character of this incredible organization," Trump said. "You are true, true champions and incredible patriots. Now with hockey season again underway, I know you're ready to make yet another run at the Cup. The NHL has not seen a three-peat in the generation, but I know you are ready for the challenge. I'm going to be watching so closely because do you think you're going to be back here next year? I think so."
Trump welcomed Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle, who he called "a friend of mine for a long time," and said co-owner and former Penguins captain Mario Lemieux is "one of the all-time greats and, by the way, a really great golfer too."
Among the Penguins players Trump mentioned by name were captain Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Matt Murray, Justin Schultz, Jake Guentzel, Conor Sheary and Kris Letang.