Hughes Brothers Make History on NHL 25 Cover
In an unprecedented move, EA Sports has chosen three siblings—Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes—to grace the cover of NHL 25, marking the first time in the franchise's storied history that such an honor has been bestowed upon brothers. The highly anticipated game is set for release on October 4, and with it, the Hughes family makes a significant mark on the hockey world.
The Hughes brothers come from an impressive lineage. Their father, Jim Hughes, served as a captain at Providence College and went on to hold assistant coaching positions with both the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, Jim is the director of player development for the Maple Leafs, a role that underscores his deep-rooted influence in the sport. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, also boasts a commendable athletic career, having been a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire. Ellen's tenure on the US women’s national hockey team earned her a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. She has further contributed to the sport through her experience as a coach and broadcaster.
Of the three siblings, Quinn Hughes stands out having recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. He captains the Vancouver Canucks and was first drafted seventh overall by the team in 2018. Younger brothers Jack and Luke Hughes both play for the New Jersey Devils, with Jack being the first overall pick in 2019 and Luke being picked fourth in 2021.
The announcement of the NHL 25 cover was a significant moment for the brothers. "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, reflecting the humility and gratitude they share. "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool."
Luke Hughes echoed similar sentiments, recalling their shared childhood memories. "I think we grew up on the [video] game," Luke said. From aspiring players to cover stars, the journey of the Hughes brothers is deeply inspiring.
The cover choice coincides with the NHL season opening with a notable match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. With both Jack and Luke part of the Devils roster, the European audience will be treated to an impressive showcase of hockey talent.
The on-ice prowess of the Hughes brothers is undeniable. They have won medals in various international events and honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program. A particularly memorable encounter saw the siblings face off on December 5 in an NHL game, where the Devils secured a 6-5 victory. Jack recorded three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game marked the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match, a testament to the exceptional talent within the Hughes household.
The release of NHL 25 is not just a major milestone for the Hughes brothers but also for the developers at EA Sports. They introduced a new feature called "Ice-Q," designed to enhance the gaming experience. Chris Haluke, one of the project leads, explained the thought process behind the choice. "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."
Jack Hughes described the honor of being on the cover as a dream come true. "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.'" He also expressed excitement about the final product, sharing, "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 October 4 approaches, anticipation builds not only for the game's innovative features but also for the significant cultural moment it represents. With the Hughes brothers leading the charge, NHL 25 is poised to make a lasting impact on hockey fans around the world, setting a new precedent for familial success both on and off the ice.