EA Sports Makes History with NHL 25 Cover Featuring Hughes Brothers
EA Sports has made a landmark decision for the cover of NHL 25 by featuring brothers Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. This trailblazing choice marks the first time in the franchise’s storied history that siblings have graced the cover.
Set for release on October 4, NHL 25 is already generating significant buzz, not only for its innovative features but also for its symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers. The inclusion of these talented siblings promises to add an extra layer of excitement for fans awaiting the game’s arrival.
Jack and Luke Hughes are integral players for the New Jersey Devils, while their older brother Quinn Hughes serves as the captain for the Vancouver Canucks.
"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," said Quinn Hughes. His recent achievement of earning the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman further cements his place in the sport's upper echelons.
Hughes Family Legacy
The Hughes brothers' rise in the NHL is rooted in a deeply athletic family background. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and went on to serve as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He is currently the director of player development for the Maple Leafs.
Their mother, Ellen Hughes, also boasts an impressive sports pedigree. A multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire, she played on the US women’s national hockey team that won a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen has also garnered experience as a coach and broadcaster, further enriching the Hughes family's sporting legacy.
When reflecting on their upbringing, Luke Hughes mentioned, "I think we grew up on the [video] game." This shared history with the game makes their selection as cover athletes all the more significant.
Inception to Stardom
Quinn, Jack, and Luke Hughes have followed unique paths to NHL stardom. Quinn was drafted seventh by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018, Jack was the first overall pick by the Devils in 2019, and Luke was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. Both Quinn and Luke showcased their burgeoning talent while starring at the University of Michigan.
On December 5, the Hughes brothers faced off in an NHL game for the first time. The New Jersey Devils triumphed 6-5 in a thrilling contest. Jack recorded three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game marked only the second time in NHL history that an American family had three brothers playing in the same match.
The Hughes siblings also trained at the United States National Team Development Program, honing their skills at one of the nation's premier hockey training grounds. They have won medals in various international events, further validating their elite status in the sport.
Innovative Features in NHL 25
Fans eagerly await the debut of NHL 25, not only for the groundbreaking cover but also for the game’s innovative features. One of the most anticipated additions is the "Ice-Q" feature, designed to enhance gameplay by mirroring the Hughes brothers' high skill levels and play styles.
Chris Haluke, one of the developers, remarked, "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
The opportunity to feature on the cover of NHL 25 is a monumental moment for the Hughes brothers, symbolizing both their individual and collective achievements. "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,'" said Jack Hughes.
Jack 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."
As the anticipation builds for NHL 25, the Hughes brothers’ groundbreaking appearance on the cover serves as a testament to their remarkable talents and the promise they bring to the game of hockey. Fans and players alike are eagerly counting down the days until October 4, when they can finally experience the next chapter in the NHL franchise, championed by a trio of trailblazing siblings.