A Family Affair: The Hughes Brothers Make History on NHL 25 Cover
EA Sports has made a historic decision for the cover of NHL 25, selecting Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes to feature together, marking the first time siblings have graced the cover in the franchise's history. This groundbreaking announcement sets the stage for the game's release on October 4, generating excitement within the hockey community and among gaming enthusiasts.
Jack and Luke Hughes, who play for the New Jersey Devils, alongside their brother Quinn, captain of the Vancouver Canucks, bring their unique family dynamic to a league historically filled with individual superstars. This distinction highlights not just their talents but the notable achievements of their family in the world of hockey.
"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," remarked Quinn Hughes, encapsulating the sense of pride and accomplishment felt by the brothers. Jack Hughes echoed this sentiment, 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.'" For them, the cover symbolizes a milestone that stretches beyond their individual careers into the collective legacy they are building.
The Hughes brothers' story is rooted deeply in hockey tradition. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a prominent player at Providence College and has had coaching stints with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, he serves as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, is a decorated multi-sport athlete who played on the US women’s national hockey team, capturing a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. She, too, has left her mark as a coach and broadcaster, reflecting a family dedicated to hockey excellence.
Each of the Hughes brothers has carved out a significant place in the NHL. Quinn Hughes, who earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018. Jack Hughes, hailed for his offensive prowess, was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019. The youngest of the trio, Luke Hughes, followed closely behind, being selected fourth overall by the Devils in 2021. Two of the brothers, Quinn and Luke, further honed their skills at the University of Michigan, a testament to their high-caliber training and development.
Their journey hasn't been without memorable moments. The Hughes brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, an event that highlighted their competitive spirit and shared talent. The Devils emerged victorious 6-5, with notable performances from all three brothers: Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn added two points. This match marked only the second time an American family had three brothers playing in the same NHL game, underscoring the uniqueness of their achievement.
"We grew up on the [video] game," Luke Hughes revealed, reflecting on their long-standing connection to the EA Sports NHL series. This connection adds a sentimental layer to their cover appearance, bridging their childhood dreams with their present-day reality. The symbolic endorsement of their talents aligns seamlessly with the newest feature of NHL 25: the "Ice-Q" feature, which aims to amplify the gaming experience through enhanced player dynamics.
Chris Haluke of EA Sports commented, "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’ play styles and the game’s new features underscores why EA Sports chose them as cover athletes.
The timing of this announcement dovetails with the opening of the NHL season, which kicks off with an anticipated match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. As the season begins, the Hughes brothers not only bear the hopes of their respective teams but also the pride of continuing their family’s rich hockey heritage. "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn Hughes remarked, capturing the essence of their groundbreaking achievement.
October 4 will not only mark the release of NHL 25 but also the celebration of a family whose contributions to hockey span generations. In doing so, EA Sports and the Hughes brothers offer a compelling narrative of talent, tradition, and innovation within the sport. As Jack Hughes aptly put it, "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."