In an unprecedented move, EA Sports has chosen brothers Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes to grace the cover of NHL 25, marking the first time in franchise history that siblings have earned this honor. With NHL 25 set to release on October 4, hockey enthusiasts and gamers alike are eagerly awaiting the newest iteration of the beloved series.
Jack and Luke Hughes represent the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes captains the Vancouver Canucks. Adding to his impressive resume, Quinn recently received the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top defenseman. This accolade underscores his critical role in the sport and emphasizes the talent that defines the Hughes family.
A Family Steeped in Hockey Tradition
The Hughes brothers' path to prominence in the NHL is paved by a rich family history deeply rooted in hockey. Their father, Jim Hughes, not only captained Providence College's team but also served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, he holds the role of director of player development for the Maple Leafs.
Their mother, Ellen Hughes, also boasts a storied athletic career, having competed in multiple sports at the University of New Hampshire and earning a silver medal with the US women's national hockey team at the 1992 world championships. Ellen has further contributed to the sport through her roles as a coach and broadcaster, solidifying the family's all-encompassing influence on hockey.
Drafted to Shine
Quinn Hughes was selected seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke followed as the fourth overall pick by the Devils in 2021. Both Quinn and Luke further distinguished themselves by starring at the University of Michigan before embarking on their professional careers.
Historic Face-Off
The Hughes brothers faced each other in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, a match that ended with the Devils clinching a dramatic 6-5 victory. Jack contributed three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn earned two points in this historic clash, marking only the second instance in NHL history where an American family had three brothers play in the same match.
Reflecting on their shared achievement, Quinn Hughes remarked, "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."
Trailblazers in Digital Hockey
Beside its symbolic significance, the choice to feature the Hughes brothers on the cover of NHL 25 aligns with EA Sports’ introduction of a new "Ice-Q" feature. Chris Haluke, a representative from EA Sports, explained, "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."
Luke Hughes expressed a sense of nostalgia about their inclusion, saying, "I think we grew up on the [video] game."
Jack Hughes, equally reflective, noted the broader implication of this accolade. "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 New Chapter for NHL 25
As anticipation builds for the release of NHL 25, the Hughes brothers’ journey continues to captivate fans worldwide. Their formidable skill sets and dynamic play on the ice mirror the innovative new features set to be introduced in the game, promising an elevated experience for players.
The NHL season will kick off with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, setting the stage for yet another thrilling chapter in the world of hockey. With the Hughes brothers leading the way, both on the ice and now in the digital realm, the future of the sport appears brighter than ever.