Hughes Brothers Make NHL 25 Cover History
In a historic move, EA Sports has chosen siblings Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes to grace the cover of NHL 25. This is the first time in the franchise’s history that siblings have been selected for this honor, adding a fresh dynamic to the popular video game series.
"I think all of us are just honored because it's a hard thing to be on the cover, and there are so many great players in the league," Quinn Hughes remarked. The anticipation for the game, set to be released on October 4, is only heightened by this unique cover choice.
The NHL season rolls out with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. Notably, Jack and Luke Hughes play for the Devils, while Quinn captains the Vancouver Canucks. This family affair brings an extra layer of excitement to the opening game.
Recently, Quinn Hughes earned the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman, cementing his status as one of the league's elite players. The Hughes family's hockey pedigree doesn't stop there. Their father, Jim Hughes, served as a captain at Providence College and later took on assistant coaching roles with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He is currently the director of player development for the Maple Leafs.
Meanwhile, their mother, Ellen Hughes, excelled as 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. Her diverse roles as a coach and broadcaster further illustrate the family's deep-rooted connection to the sport.
All three Hughes brothers have stellar hockey backgrounds. Quinn was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke was selected fourth by the Devils in 2021. Quinn and Luke also made significant impacts during their time at the University of Michigan.
The brothers' rivalry reached a historic moment on December 5, when they faced off in an NHL game for the first time. The Devils emerged victorious with a 6-5 win. Jack notched three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game marked only the second instance of an American family having three brothers compete in the same NHL match, a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication.
The Hughes brothers have also made names for themselves on the international stage, winning medals in various events. Their development journey included honing their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, further shaping them into the players they are today.
NHL 25 is highly anticipated not only for the groundbreaking cover but also for the new features it promises. One of the standout features is the "Ice-Q" addition, designed to enhance gameplay with heightened skating abilities and playmaking skills. Chris Haluke, an executive involved in the game's development, explained the decision: "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 Hughes brothers themselves are enthusiastic about their inclusion on the cover. Luke Hughes reflected, "I think we grew up on the [video] game." Jack Hughes added, "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."
The release of NHL 25 symbolizes more than just a new video game; it represents the growth and achievements of one of the most talented families in hockey. As fans eagerly await October 4, the Hughes brothers continue to inspire with their skill, dedication, and the unique bond they share both on and off the ice.