A Historic Cover for NHL 25: The Hughes Brothers Celebrate Family Legacy
EA Sports has made a groundbreaking decision for the cover of NHL 25, opting to feature the Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn. This marks the first time in the franchise's history that siblings have graced the cover, a testament to the trio's remarkable journey in professional hockey.
Set to be released on October 4, the cover of NHL 25 isn't just a nod to the brothers' individual talents but also to their collective influence on the sport. The Hughes family's contributions to hockey span generations, beginning with their parents' achievements and culminating in their own NHL stardom.
The Journey of the Hughes Brothers
The eldest, Quinn Hughes, captains the Vancouver Canucks and has recently been honored with the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018, Quinn's skill on the ice has been a crucial asset to his team.
Jack Hughes, the middle brother, was the first overall pick for the New Jersey Devils in 2019. His dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities have made him a central figure for the Devils, where he now shares the ice with his younger brother, Luke. Luke, a top prospect picked fourth by the Devils in 2021, has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Quinn and Luke also share a bond beyond the NHL, having both starred at the University of Michigan, showcasing their talents at the collegiate level before ascending to professional ranks.
A Family Legacy in Sports
The Hughes brothers' success is rooted deeply in their family's rich sports history. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and has extensive coaching experience, including roles with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, Jim serves as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs.
Their mother, Ellen Hughes, is equally accomplished. A multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire, Ellen played on the U.S. women’s national hockey team, earning a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. She has also worked as a coach and broadcaster, further solidifying the family's connection to the sport.
Historic NHL Matchup
The brothers made history on December 5, when they faced off in an NHL game for the first time. The New Jersey Devils triumphed over the Vancouver Canucks with a 6-5 victory. Jack recorded three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn contributed two points, making it a memorable night for the Hughes family.
This game marked only the second time an American family had three brothers compete in the same NHL match, underscoring the rarity and special nature of their achievement.
International Success and Development
Aside from their NHL accomplishments, the Hughes brothers have also shone on the international stage, winning medals in various events. Their skills were honed at the United States National Team Development Program, a testament to their dedication and hard work from a young age.
EA Sports' Vision for NHL 25
The decision to feature the Hughes brothers on the cover of NHL 25 aligns perfectly with EA Sports' vision for the game. "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn Hughes commented. The endorsement symbolizes not only their individual prowess but also their collective impact on the sport.
One of the highly anticipated new features in NHL 25 is the "Ice-Q" feature. Chris Haluke, one of the key developers, praised the brothers' playing style, stating, "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 his excitement about 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.'" Indeed, for many athletes, appearing on the cover of a video game is a dream come true, a recognition of their hard work and talent.
Luke Hughes echoed his brother's sentiments, reminiscing about their childhood. "I think we grew up on the [video] game," he said, highlighting the personal significance of this achievement.
In the end, the Hughes brothers' presence on the NHL 25 cover is more than a marketing move; it's a celebration of family, talent, and the love of the game. As fans eagerly await the release, the Hughes brothers have etched their names in hockey history, continuing to inspire future generations.