EA Sports has made a historic decision for the cover of NHL 25 by featuring the Hughes brothers: Jack, Luke, and Quinn. This unprecedented move marks the first time in the franchise's history that siblings have graced the cover, underscoring the remarkable journey and talents of this hockey family.
The eagerly anticipated NHL 25, set for release on October 4, promises fans not just the thrill of new features but also a symbolic nod to the sport's growing family legacy. The Hughes brothers' inclusion on the cover is a testament to their impressive careers and potential future impact on the sport.
A Family Affair
Jack and Luke Hughes currently play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes captains the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn's recent recognition as the NHL’s top defenseman with the Norris Trophy highlights his formidable skills on the ice. This honor adds another feather to his cap, further distinguished by being one of the very few to achieve such a feat at a relatively young age.
The NHL's 25th installment is more than just a game for the Hughes family; it’s a crowning achievement that ties together their rich hockey lineage. Their father, Jim Hughes, boasts a notable career, having captained at Providence College and served as an assistant coach with both the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, he contributes to the sport as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs.
Equally impressive is their mother, Ellen Hughes, a multi-sport athlete from the University of New Hampshire. She not only played on the US women's national hockey team, securing a silver medal at the 1992 world championships, but also holds experience as a coach and broadcaster. Such an athletic and coaching pedigree clearly played a significant role in shaping the Hughes brothers into the hockey stars they are today.
Draft Day Triumphs and On-Ice Rivalries
Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018, followed by Jack Hughes, who was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke Hughes, who was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. Their paths, though divergent in terms of teams, have always been intertwined by their shared history and family support.
The caliber of their play was evident when the Hughes brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5. The Devils clinched a tightly contested victory, 6-5, with Jack scoring three points, Luke netting a goal, and Quinn finishing with two points. This match marked only the second occasion in NHL history where three brothers from an American family played in the same game.
The Hughes brothers have not only made their mark in domestic leagues but have also excelled on the international stage, winning medals in various global events. They honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, a breeding ground for some of the NHL’s top talents.
NHL 25’s Newest Features
One of the most talked-about aspects of NHL 25 is the introduction of the "Ice-Q" feature. Chris Haluke of EA Sports elaborated on the synergy between this new feature and the Hughes brothers, stating, "Just having their skating abilities, the way that they play, the way that they are playmakers, their offensive and defensive explosiveness -- there's so much that goes into their highly skilled play styles. We felt it was a direct match and helped influence what we were trying to accomplish with 'Ice-Q' and that feature overall."
The game’s release is not just about showcasing the latest advancements in gameplay but also about celebrating the symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers, a dynamic trio whose on-ice performance and dedication to the sport makes them ideal ambassadors for NHL 25.
A Shared Excitement
For the Hughes brothers, being chosen to appear on the cover of NHL 25 is more than just an accolade; it’s a moment of familial pride and professional recognition. Quinn Hughes expressed the collective sentiment, "I think all of us are just honored because it's a hard thing to be on the cover and there's so many great players in the league."
Luke Hughes echoed this sentiment, reflecting on their childhood experiences with the video game, "I think we grew up on the [video] game," adding another layer of personal significance to this achievement.
Jack Hughes articulated the honor and excitement succinctly, "This is obviously a pretty special accolade and something I think every NHLer wants to accomplish or grows up and thinks, 'Wow, it'd be really cool to be on the cover.' We were the same way growing up, and it's another really special opportunity that we grabbed at when it came toward us, and I think we're really excited with the final product."
As the NHL season kicks off with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, on October 4, the stage is set for a thrilling season ahead, with the Hughes brothers continuing to make waves both in the game and on the cover of one of its most iconic video game franchises. The Hughes family’s journey from a household filled with hockey passion to the broader ice rinks of the NHL serves as an inspiring narrative for fans and aspiring players alike.