Hughes Brothers Make History on NHL 25 Cover
EA Sports has announced a historic selection for the cover of NHL 25, featuring the talented Hughes brothers: Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. This marks a seminal moment in the franchise’s history, as it's the first time siblings have graced the cover together.
Set to release on October 4, NHL 25 comes at a time of heightened anticipation. The brothers' presence on the cover symbolizes not just their individual talent, but also their collective impact on the sport. Their story is one deeply rooted in hockey, defining a new era both on the ice and in the gaming world.
Reflecting on the honor, Quinn Hughes stated, "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." The honor is a testament to their skills, honed over years of dedication and a passion for the game.
A Family Tradition
The Hughes family boasts a remarkable lineage in hockey. Jack and Luke Hughes play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes captains the Vancouver Canucks and recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Their achievements on the ice are a reflection of a rich family history in sports.
Jim Hughes, their father, has an impressive career of his own. A former captain at Providence College, he served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs and is currently the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, brings her own legacy as a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and a former player on the US women’s national hockey team. She played a crucial role in the team that won a silver medal at the 1992 world championships and has also been a coach and broadcaster.
Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018, Jack Hughes was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke Hughes followed as the fourth pick for the Devils in 2021. Quinn and Luke further developed their skills at the University of Michigan, underscoring the family’s deep connection to hockey excellence.
On and Off the Ice
The Hughes brothers have shown amazing performance on the ice, with their first NHL face-off on December 5 being a notable highlight. The Devils clinched a dramatic 6-5 victory, with Jack scoring three points, Luke netting a goal, and Quinn finishing with two points. This game marked just the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match, illustrating the unique bond they share both as siblings and competitors.
Their influence isn’t just limited to the rink. They have also won medals in various international events and honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program. Their journey reflects a blend of natural talent and relentless hard work, qualities that are beautifully captured in the newest features of NHL 25, including the "Ice-Q" feature.
Chris Haluke from EA Sports highlighted the synchronicity between the Hughes brothers' play style and the innovative "Ice-Q" feature in the game. "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."
A Special Accolade
Jack Hughes expressed the significance of this achievement, saying, "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.'" His brother Luke echoed this sentiment, "I think we grew up on the [video] game."
Their selection for the cover of NHL 25 is not only a milestone in their careers but also a meaningful endorsement for the game itself. "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn noted. Jack added, "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 NHL season opens with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, the excitement surrounding NHL 25 continues to build. The Hughes brothers' journey from aspiring young players to cover athletes is an inspiring tale, emblematic of their dedication and the sport's enduring appeal.