EA Sports has taken a groundbreaking step with its latest cover for NHL 25, featuring siblings Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. This unprecedented choice underscores the trio's significant impact on the NHL and hockey culture at large.
An Unprecedented Choice
For the first time in the franchise’s history, siblings will grace the cover of EA Sports' NHL series. Quinn Hughes, who captains the Vancouver Canucks, joins his brothers Jack and Luke, who both play for the New Jersey Devils, on the highly anticipated NHL 25 cover. Quinn expressed the collective sentiment when he said, "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 and Individual Achievements
The Hughes family has a storied history in hockey. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and has served in various coaching capacities, including as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He currently serves as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, 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. Ellen also has a background in coaching and broadcasting.
Individually, each Hughes brother has carved out an impressive career. Quinn was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018 and recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, followed by Luke, who was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. The brothers also honed their skills at the University of Michigan and the United States National Team Development Program, contributing to their readiness for the NHL.
Sibling Dynamics on Ice
The chemistry among the Hughes brothers is a fascinating aspect of their careers. They faced off in an NHL game for the first time on December 5, a match that saw the Devils triumph over the Canucks 6-5. It was a family affair on the score sheet as well: Jack notched three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game marked only the second instance in NHL history where an American family had three brothers play in the same match.
Reflecting on the experience of facing his siblings, Luke mentioned, "I think we grew up on the [video] game." Jack echoed this feeling, 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.'"
An Exciting NHL Season Ahead
The release of NHL 25 on October 4 coincides with the start of an exciting NHL season that opens with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. Jack and Luke Hughes will be representing the Devils, adding another layer of anticipation to the game.
A Symbolic Endorsement
Chris Haluke, a representative from EA Sports, highlighted why the Hughes brothers were chosen for the cover. "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 inclusion of the "Ice-Q" feature in NHL 25 is one of the game's most anticipated new elements. The endorsement by the Hughes brothers, known for their exceptional skills and hockey IQ, is fitting and adds to the game's allure. Jack Hughes expressed the brothers' excitement: "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool." He continued, "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."
The Hughes brothers' presence on the NHL 25 cover is more than a marketing move; it's a celebration of family legacy, individual excellence, and the bonds forged through the sport of hockey. As the new season unfolds, fans will be eager to see how the Hughes brothers continue to shape the future of the NHL.