EA Sports has made a historic decision for the cover of NHL 25, featuring the Hughes brothers: Jack, Luke, and Quinn. For the first time in the franchise’s history, siblings will grace the cover, marking a significant milestone. NHL 25 is set to be released on October 4, and the gaming community is eagerly anticipating this highly symbolic endorsement.
A Family Affair on the Cover
Jack and Luke Hughes both represent the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes captains the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn recently added to his impressive resume by earning the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. "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 remarked, capturing the sentiment shared by the trio.
Their athletic prowess can be traced back to their roots. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, Jim holds the position of director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, also has an illustrious sporting background. Ellen was a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and played on the US women’s national hockey team, which won a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. She has also worked as a coach and broadcaster.
Brothers Rising: A Journey in Hockey
The Hughes brothers honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program before making significant marks in the NHL. Quinn was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018. Jack made headlines when he was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, followed by Luke, who was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. Both Quinn and Luke distinguished themselves during their time at the University of Michigan.
The brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, providing a memorable showcase of their talents. The Devils triumphed 6-5 in a hard-fought contest, with Jack scoring three points, Luke netting a goal, and Quinn finishing with two points. This game marked only the second time an American family had three brothers playing in the same NHL match, further emphasizing the unique position of the Hughes family in the sport.
"For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn added, expressing the collective pride and excitement the brothers feel about their selection for the cover. Luke reflected on their mutual affinity for the game: "I think we grew up on the [video] game."
NHL 25 and the New "Ice-Q" Feature
One of the most anticipated aspects of NHL 25 is its new "Ice-Q" feature, which aims to enhance the gaming experience with refined gameplay mechanics. Chris Haluke, involved with the development of NHL 25, highlighted the synergy between the feature and the Hughes brothers' style of play. "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," he explained.
Jack Hughes encapsulated the significance of this accomplishment: "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."
Anticipation Builds for Upcoming NHL Season
As the excitement builds for the release of NHL 25, the upcoming NHL season is set to kick off with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. Fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing how the season unfolds, particularly for the Hughes brothers, whose journey continues to captivate and inspire.
The release of NHL 25 symbolizes more than just a new installment in a beloved video game series; it represents the celebration of familial bonds, athletic achievement, and the enduring spirit of hockey. As Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes take center stage, they not only honor their own hard work and dedication but also the legacy of the sport they love.