EA Sports has made history in NHL 25 by featuring Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes on its cover, marking the first time siblings have ever graced the cover of the franchise. The decision is both symbolic and a recognition of the exceptional talent and influence these brothers have in the NHL.
A Family of Talent
The Hughes brothers have been a formidable presence in the NHL. Quinn Hughes, the captain of the Vancouver Canucks, recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s top defenseman. Jack and Luke Hughes both play for the New Jersey Devils, a testament to their shared prowess on the ice. Jack, drafted first overall in 2019, and Luke, picked fourth in 2021, have quickly made names for themselves in the league. Quinn was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018.
The hockey talent in the Hughes family runs deep. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and has an extensive coaching background, having served as an assistant coach with both the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He is currently the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Ellen Hughes, their mother, was a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and played on the US women’s national hockey team, which secured a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen has also worked as a coach and broadcaster, bringing even more depth to the family's sports legacy.
Making History
Their rise to prominence continued with a landmark game on December 5, when the Hughes brothers faced off in an NHL match for the first time. The Devils won 6-5 in a thrilling game that saw Jack scoring three points, Luke netting a goal, and Quinn finishing with two points. This game marked just the second time in NHL history that three American brothers played in the same match.
Honing Their Skills
The Hughes brothers honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, where they developed their distinctive, highly skilled play styles that have come to define their careers. It's no surprise that they have all won medals in various international events, showcasing their talents on a global stage.
A Symbolic Choice for NHL 25
EA Sports’ decision to feature the Hughes brothers on the cover of NHL 25 is as much a nod to their talent as it is to the new features in the game. The "Ice-Q" feature is one of the most anticipated aspects of the new release, allowing players to experience the explosive playmaking abilities of the game's top stars. Chris Haluke, an EA Sports executive, remarked, "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 release of NHL 25 is eagerly awaited by fans, not just for the new features but also for the symbolic endorsement that comes with having the Hughes brothers on the cover. The NHL season will kick off with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, adding another layer of excitement.
Honored and Excited
"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," Quinn Hughes noted. He added, "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool."
Luke Hughes echoed his sentiment, stating, "I think we grew up on the [video] game," emphasizing the surreal nature of the achievement.
Jack Hughes, reflecting on the accolade, said, "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."
As the release of NHL 25 approaches, fans and players alike can look forward to an experience that celebrates both the latest innovations in gaming and the remarkable journey of the Hughes brothers. The symbolic value of their presence on the cover cannot be overstated, making NHL 25 a highly anticipated release on October 4.