EA Sports has once again made waves in the sports gaming world, and this time it's by featuring the Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn—on the cover of NHL 25. This marks a historic milestone as it's the first time siblings have graced the cover of the franchise.
The Hughes Brothers: A Family Affair
Jack and Luke Hughes currently showcase their talents with the New Jersey Devils, while the eldest, Quinn Hughes, leads the Vancouver Canucks as their captain. This trio's selection for the NHL 25 cover underscores their significant impact on the sport. Their father's influence is notable, with Jim Hughes having served as a captain at Providence College and bringing his expertise to coaching stints with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Presently, Jim is the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, also boasts an impressive athletic resume, having been a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and a silver medalist with the US women’s national hockey team in the 1992 world championships.
"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," remarked Quinn Hughes. A sentiment echoed by his brothers, Luke shared, "I think we grew up on the [video] game." Their journey from playing video games to gracing the cover is indeed a remarkable one.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Hughes brothers' journey to the NHL was paved with numerous accolades and achievements. Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018. Jack Hughes followed as the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke Hughes was selected fourth by the Devils in 2021. The brothers have a rich history with the United States National Team Development Program, where they honed their skills. Their transition to the NHL has been nothing short of spectacular, with each brother making significant contributions to their respective teams.
One of the highlights of their careers was the first time all three brothers faced off in an NHL game on December 5. In a thrilling match, the Devils claimed victory over the Canucks with a 6-5 scoreline. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This encounter marked only the second time in NHL history that three brothers from an American family played in the same game. Their achievements on the international stage are also commendable, having won medals in various events.
Anticipation Builds for NHL 25
With the release of NHL 25 slated for October 4, fans are eagerly awaiting to see what new features the game has to offer. One of the most talked-about additions is the "Ice-Q" feature, designed to enhance the gaming experience by focusing on the Hughes brothers' dynamic play styles. As Chris Haluke, a representative from EA Sports, noted, "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."
The Hughes brothers' inclusion on the cover of NHL 25 is more than just an accolade; it's a testament to their influence and prominence in the hockey world. Jack Hughes expressed his excitement, 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.'" He added, "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."
Setting the Stage for the New Season
The upcoming NHL season promises to be just as exciting, with the opening game featuring the Buffalo Sabres against the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. This marquee matchup is highly anticipated and will set the tone for the season ahead. Fans will be watching closely, especially to see the performance of Jack and Luke Hughes with the Devils.
As the release date of NHL 25 approaches, the buzz surrounding the game and its new features continues to grow. The selection of the Hughes brothers for the cover is not only a historic moment but also a celebration of their exceptional talent and contributions to the sport. Their journey from playing the game as kids to becoming its cover stars is an inspiring narrative that resonates with fans worldwide.
In the words of Quinn Hughes, "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool." And indeed, it's more than just cool; it's a momentous occasion that cements the Hughes brothers' legacy in the annals of hockey history.