An Historic Landmark for the Hughes Brothers as NHL 25 Cover Stars
In a groundbreaking move by EA Sports, Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes will jointly grace the cover of NHL 25, marking the first time in the franchise's history that siblings are featured. This historic event highlights the remarkable achievements of the Hughes brothers, rapidly emerging as some of the most exciting talents in the NHL.
NHL 25 is set to release on October 4, with fans eagerly awaiting not only the game’s new features but also the symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers. The newest addition to NHL 25 includes the "Ice-Q" feature, which reflects the skills and play styles of the Hughes siblings.
Glenn Hughes, Quinn recently had the honor of earning the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman. His leadership extends beyond his gameplay as he captains the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018 and has consistently showcased his exceptional talents both offensively and defensively.
His younger brothers, Jack and Luke, have also made significant marks in the NHL. Jack Hughes, the first overall pick for the New Jersey Devils in 2019, has been a cornerstone player for the team. Luke Hughes followed in 2021 as the fourth overall pick by the Devils. The two brothers play together in New Jersey, adding another layer to their family’s hockey legacy.
This legacy is deeply rooted in the broader Hughes family’s history with hockey. Their father, Jim Hughes, has an impressive hockey resume, having captained Providence College and served as an assistant coach with both the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He currently holds the position of Director of Player Development with the Maple Leafs. Ellen Hughes, their mother, was a standout 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 boasts experience as a coach and broadcaster.
The Hughes brothers honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program and have competed successfully for USA Hockey, securing numerous medals in international events. Their talents were on full display when they faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5. The New Jersey Devils emerged victorious in a thrilling 6-5 game where Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This encounter marked only the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match.
The NHL season will open with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, adding international flair to the league's kickoff. With the Hughes brothers now on the cover of NHL 25, their influence in the world of hockey is undeniable.
EA Sports' decision to feature the Hughes brothers on the cover resonates deeply with hockey fans and gamers alike. Quinn Hughes expressed the sentiment, saying, "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 shared similar feelings, reminiscing, "I think we grew up on the [video] game." Jack Hughes encapsulated the achievement, stating, "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.'"
Chris Haluke, an influential figure in the development of NHL 25, praised the pairing, 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."
The final sentiment from Jack Hughes reflects the exciting journey the brothers have experienced, as he noted, "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 release date approaches, the excitement among fans is palpable, eager to see the Hughes brothers not just on the ice but immortalized in one of the top hockey video games. The milestone of featuring siblings on the cover of NHL 25 embodies the hard work, family heritage, and sheer talent of Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes, setting a thrilling precedent in the world of sports gaming.