Hughes Brothers Make History on NHL 25 Cover
In a groundbreaking move, EA Sports has chosen Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes for the cover of NHL 25. This marks a significant first in the franchise's history, as siblings have never before graced the game's cover. The highly anticipated NHL 25 is set for release on October 4, coinciding with the excitement of a new hockey season.
Jack and Luke Hughes represent the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes dons the captain's "C" for the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn's recent achievement of winning the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman solidifies his status among the league's elite. Their father, Jim Hughes, has a storied career in hockey, from captaining at Providence College to roles with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, where he currently oversees player development. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, boasts her own impressive resume as a multi-sport athlete and a silver medalist with the U.S. women's national hockey team at the 1992 World Championships.
On the significance of being featured on the cover, Quinn Hughes shared, "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." Luke echoed his brother's sentiment, reflecting on their upbringing with the game: "I think we grew up on the [video] game." For Jack, it’s a special accolade: "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.'"
The Hughes brothers' ascent to the cover of NHL 25 is no coincidence. Their journey in professional hockey has been marked by notable milestones. Quinn was the seventh overall pick by the Canucks in 2018, Jack was the first overall pick by the Devils in 2019, and Luke followed suit, being the fourth pick for the Devils in 2021. Before making their NHL debut, Quinn and Luke honed their skills at the University of Michigan. The trio has also represented the United States National Team Development Program, where they refined their talents.
One memorable moment for the Hughes family came when all three brothers played in the same NHL game on December 5, marking only the second time in history an American family achieved this feat. The Devils clinched a 6-5 victory in that game, with Jack scoring three points, Luke netting a goal, and Quinn finishing with two points. These performances underscore the tremendous skill and competitive spirit that runs in the Hughes family.
EA Sports' decision to feature the Hughes brothers on the cover also ties into the game's new "Ice-Q" feature. Chris Haluke, speaking on behalf of EA, highlighted how their selection aligns with the gameplay innovation: "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."
Their family's deep-rooted connection to hockey further accentuates the symbolic resonance of this cover choice. Jim Hughes' experiences as a former player and a coach, coupled with Ellen Hughes' accomplishments as a player and coach, illustrate a legacy dedicated to the sport. Their guidance and support have undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping Jack, Luke, and Quinn into the players they are today.
As the NHL season commences with the Buffalo Sabres taking on the New Jersey Devils in Prague, the anticipation surrounding NHL 25’s release mirrors the excitement on the ice. Jack underscored this sentiment, saying, "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."
In sum, the Hughes brothers' presence on the NHL 25 cover is a testament to their impressive trajectory in the hockey world and a fitting homage to their family’s legacy. Fans eagerly await the game's release to experience both the enhanced features and the symbolic endorsement of this remarkable hockey trio.