A Historic First: Hughes Brothers Take Center Stage on NHL 25 Cover
In a momentous move, EA Sports has selected Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes to grace the cover of NHL 25, marking the first instance in the franchise's history where siblings share this honor. The highly anticipated game is set to be released on October 4, coinciding perfectly with the opening of the NHL season.
The Hughes brothers, each making significant strides in their professional careers, are no strangers to the spotlight. Jack and Luke Hughes currently lace up their skates for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes serves as the captain for the Vancouver Canucks. The bond and rivalry among them have added a compelling narrative to the NHL’s rich tapestry.
Quinn Hughes: A Leader and Award-Winner
Quinn Hughes has already earned the prestigious Norris Trophy, acknowledging his status as the NHL's top defenseman. His leadership and defensive prowess make him a pivotal figure for the Canucks. Reflecting on the honor of being on the NHL 25 cover alongside his brothers, Quinn stated, "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."
Jack and Luke Hughes: Rising Stars
Jack Hughes was the first overall pick for the Devils in the 2019 NHL Draft, a testament to his exceptional talent and promise. His younger brother, Luke, followed suit, being picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. Both brothers have showcased their skills on the ice, adding depth and excitement to the Devils' lineup. Luke reminisced, "I think we grew up on the [video] game," highlighting the personal significance of their cover appearance.
Their family’s athletic heritage runs deep. Their father, Jim Hughes, captained at Providence College and held assistant coaching positions with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Jim currently oversees player development for the Maple Leafs. On the other hand, their mother, Ellen Hughes, was a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and a silver medalist with the US women’s national hockey team at the 1992 world championships. Ellen has also made her mark as a coach and broadcaster.
A Family Game
The Hughes brothers experienced a defining 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 was a standout with three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game was significant not just for the result but because it marked only the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match.
Reflecting on their selection for the NHL 25 cover, Quinn expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool." Jack echoed this sentiment, adding, "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.'" The cover selection serves as a symbolic endorsement of the brothers' impact on the sport.
Innovations and Anticipation
The upcoming NHL 25 game promises innovative features, with "Ice-Q" being a standout addition. Chris Haluke of EA Sports elaborated on the decision to feature the Hughes brothers, saying, "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."
This synergy between the Hughes brothers' dynamic play styles and the game's new features makes NHL 25 one of the year's most anticipated releases. The inclusion of the Hughes brothers not only honors their family's legacy but also inspires the next generation of hockey players and fans.
In closing, Jack Hughes summarized the brothers' collective excitement: "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 hockey world eagerly awaits the puck drop on October 4, the Hughes brothers' presence on the NHL 25 cover stands as a testament to their remarkable talent, dedication, and influence on the sport. This historic first intertwines their personal and professional journeys, further cementing their status as hockey's golden trio.