In a historic move, EA Sports has announced that the cover of NHL 25 will feature the Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn. This unprecedented choice marks the first time in the franchise's history that siblings have graced the cover, symbolizing both their individual careers and their collective family legacy in hockey.
A Family Affair
The Hughes brothers are no strangers to making history. Jack and Luke currently play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn captains the Vancouver Canucks. Their collective presence in the NHL and now on its most iconic video game cover speaks volumes about their talent and dedication to the sport.
"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," says Quinn Hughes, who recently added the prestigious Norris Trophy to his list of accolades. "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool."
An Impressive Pedigree
The Hughes family boasts a rich history in hockey. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and has had a notable coaching career with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He currently serves as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, was a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and played on the US women's national hockey team, winning a silver medal at the 1992 World Championships. Ellen also has experience as a coach and broadcaster, adding to the family's impressive sports legacy.
The Path to the NHL
The journey of each Hughes brother to NHL stardom started early. Quinn was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke followed as the fourth pick for the Devils in 2021. Both Quinn and Luke honed their skills at the University of Michigan before making their mark in the NHL.
Their development was further enhanced at the United States National Team Development Program, where they polished their hockey skills and built a foundation for their professional careers. The brothers have also represented the United States in various international competitions, bringing home numerous medals.
A Memorable Debut
The Hughes brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, creating a memorable moment in hockey history. The game saw the Devils triumph 6-5 over the Canucks. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game marked the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match, highlighting the Hughes family's unique contribution to the sport.
NHL 25: The Anticipated Release
Set to be released on October 4, NHL 25 is eagerly awaited by fans, not just for its gameplay but also for its symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers. One of the most anticipated features is the "Ice-Q" feature, promising to revolutionize the gaming experience.
"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," says Chris Haluke, a key figure in the game's development.
Jack Hughes, who is clearly excited about this achievement, shares, "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."
A Family’s Legacy Continues
The inclusion of the Hughes brothers on the cover of NHL 25 not only marks a personal milestone but also underscores their influential presence in the sport. Growing up surrounded by hockey greatness and honing their skills with relentless dedication, the Hughes brothers stand as a testament to hard work and familial support in achieving success.
As the NHL season kicks off with a marquee match featuring the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, fans are set to witness the Hughes brothers continue their impressive careers. Their play on the ice and their appearance on the cover of NHL 25 will undoubtedly inspire many young athletes aiming to follow in their footsteps.