A Historic Cover Featuring the Hughes Brothers
In a groundbreaking move, EA Sports has selected Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes to feature on the cover of NHL 25. This marks the first instance in the franchise's storied history that siblings have graced the cover. The game's release on October 4 is highly anticipated, not only for its new features but also for the symbolic endorsement of the Hughes family.
"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 remarked, capturing the sentiment shared by many hockey fans excited to see the trio showcased in such a prominent manner.
A Distinguished Hockey Family
The Hughes family is no stranger to hockey excellence. Quinn Hughes, who captains the Vancouver Canucks, recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Jack and Luke Hughes, who both play for the New Jersey Devils, bring their own impressive credentials to the ice. Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, while Luke was selected fourth in 2021.
Their father, Jim Hughes, boasts an illustrious career in hockey as captain at Providence College and serving as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, he holds the position of director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, adds to the family's athletic pedigree with her own achievements as a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and a silver medalist with the US women’s national hockey team at the 1992 world championships.
Brothers on the Ice
Quinn and Luke Hughes' time at the University of Michigan further cemented their strong backgrounds in the sport. The siblings first faced off in an NHL game on December 5, with Quinn's Canucks and Jack and Luke's Devils delivering a thrilling match that ended 6-5 in favor of the Devils. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points, marking an exceptional performance by all three brothers. This game was only the second time in NHL history that an American family had three brothers play in the same match.
The Hughes brothers have also shined on the international stage, winning medals in various events and honing their skills at the United States National Team Development Program. Their journey to the NHL has been nothing short of extraordinary, making their collective presence on the NHL 25 cover a well-deserved accolade.
"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," said Chris Haluke, capturing the essence of why EA Sports chose the Hughes brothers for the cover. "We felt it was a direct match and helped influence what we were trying to accomplish with 'Ice-Q' and that feature overall."
The Anticipation of NHL 25
The release of NHL 25 is eagerly awaited by gaming and hockey enthusiasts alike. The newest feature, "Ice-Q," is among the most talked-about additions, promising to enhance the gaming experience. The Hughes brothers' involvement adds an extra layer of excitement, bridging the world of virtual hockey with real-life talent.
"I think we grew up on the [video] game," Luke Hughes shared, reflecting the deep connection the brothers have with EA Sports' hockey series. Jack Hughes echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the special opportunity they recognized in being chosen for the cover. "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 NHL season kicks off with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia, on October 4, fans will have even more reason to celebrate. With Jack and Luke Hughes on the Devils roster and Quinn Hughes leading the Canucks, the new NHL 25 cover is a fitting tribute to a family that has made significant contributions to the sport.