EA Sports Breaks New Ground with Hughes Brothers on NHL 25 Cover
EA Sports has taken a historic step in its storied NHL video game franchise by featuring Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes on the cover of NHL 25. This groundbreaking choice marks the first time that siblings have graced the cover together, symbolizing a significant moment not only for the Hughes family but also for the broader hockey community.
A Historic First
Set to be released on October 4, NHL 25 is eagerly awaited by fans, especially with its novel "Ice-Q" feature. The cover choice of the Hughes brothers—Jack and Luke who play for the New Jersey Devils and Quinn who captains the Vancouver Canucks—adds a deep, familial narrative to the game.
Speaking about this special honor, Quinn Hughes expressed, "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."
Family Legacy
The Hughes legacy in hockey is rich and multifaceted. Their father, Jim Hughes, also a prominent figure in hockey, captained Providence College and held assistant coaching positions with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, he serves as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, boasts impressive credentials as well as a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and a former member of the US women’s national hockey team, which clinched a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen's involvement in hockey has extended to coaching and broadcasting.
Quinn, Jack, and Luke have all made their marks in professional hockey. Quinn was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, and his exceptional skill set was recognized when he recently won the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, while Luke followed as the fourth pick for the Devils in 2021. Both Quinn and Luke polished their skills at the University of Michigan.
Honed Skills and Early Success
The brothers honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, an institution renowned for producing top-tier hockey talent. Their hard-earned prowess has translated into numerous medals in various international events. The brothers' paths famously crossed in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, a thrilling match where the Devils triumphed over the Canucks 6-5. Jack tallied three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn contributed with two points. This momentous occasion marked only the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL game.
Personal Reflections
Recalling their journey, Quinn Hughes remarked, "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool." It’s a sentiment echoed by his brothers, reflecting both pride and humility about their collective achievements. Luke Hughes added, "I think we grew up on the [video] game," signaling how deeply ingrained the EA Sports NHL series has been in their lives.
Jack Hughes shared his excitement about this milestone, saying, "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."
EA Sports' Perspective
From the perspective of EA Sports, the decision to feature the Hughes brothers aligns with their strategic goals, especially with the introduction of the "Ice-Q" feature. Chris Haluke from EA Sports commented on the importance of this 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."
As the release date of NHL 25 approaches, anticipation builds not only for the innovative features of the game but also for what the Hughes brothers symbolize—a combination of skilled play, dedication, and a deep love for the sport. This edition of NHL promises to capture the hearts of fans, aspiring players, and anyone who appreciates the legacy of hockey.