A Historic Choice: The Hughes Brothers Make NHL 25 Cover
EA Sports has once again captured the attention of hockey fans worldwide with its latest decision for NHL 25. For the first time in the franchise’s history, the cover will feature siblings—an iconic trio, Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. This unprecedented choice highlights the rising prominence and significance of the Hughes brothers in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Set to be released on October 4, NHL 25 promises to bring exciting new features to the gaming community, with "Ice-Q" being among the most anticipated. According to Chris Haluke, who played a key role in the game's development, "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."
Quinn Hughes, the newly minted captain of the Vancouver Canucks and recent recipient of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, expressed the honor felt by all three brothers. "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 stated.
Indeed, achieving this cover spot is no small feat. Jack Hughes was the first overall pick by the New Jersey Devils in 2019, and his younger brother, Luke, followed as the fourth overall pick by the Devils in 2021. The eldest, Quinn, was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018. Their combined talents have not only defined them as individual players but have also placed them in the spotlight as a family of exceptional athletes.
Luke Hughes reminisced about their early connection with the game, saying, "I think we grew up on the [video] game." His brother Jack echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the excitement and pride they feel: "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."
Beyond the realm of video games, the Hughes family boasts a rich hockey heritage. Their father, Jim Hughes, serves as the director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs, having spent time as an assistant coach with both the Boston Bruins and the Maple Leafs. He was also a captain at Providence College. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, was a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and played on the US women's national hockey team, earning a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. She has also made her mark as a coach and broadcaster.
The pride of the Hughes family extends into their professional careers. The NHL season opener will feature Jack and Luke facing off against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia, as members of the New Jersey Devils. Their brotherly rivalry reached a high point when the brothers faced each other in an NHL game for the first time on December 5. The Devils came out on top with a thrilling 6-5 victory. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn, though on the losing side, finished with two points. This game marked only the second time in NHL history that three brothers played in the same match, underscoring their unique achievement.
The brothers' journey to professional hockey was fostered through the United States National Team Development Program, where they honed their impressive skills. Additionally, Quinn and Luke's time at the University of Michigan further shaped their development, preparing them for the challenges of the NHL.
As NHL 25’s release date approaches, the excitement surrounding the new game features and the Hughes brothers' symbolic endorsement grows. Quinn reflected on the blend of their dynamic play styles and the game's innovative elements: "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool."
NHL 25 promises to be more than just another installment in EA Sports' storied franchise. It's a tribute to the Hughes brothers' journey, their family's legacy, and the future of hockey. Fans everywhere eagerly anticipate experiencing the new game and witnessing firsthand the unique honor bestowed upon Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes.