EA Sports has once again pushed the boundaries in the world of sports video gaming, this time highlighting familial bonds with their latest addition, NHL 25. For the first time in the franchise’s history, the cover features siblings—Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes—a choice that resonates deeply in the hockey community.
NHL 25 is scheduled for release on October 4, coinciding with the start of a highly anticipated NHL season, which will open with the Buffalo Sabres facing the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. This matchup is particularly meaningful since Jack and Luke Hughes play for the Devils, while Quinn Hughes captains the Vancouver Canucks, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
The Hughes brothers’ journey to the cover of NHL 25 is a testament to their extraordinary skill and dedication. Quinn Hughes, the eldest, recently solidified his reputation by earning the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. His accolades are complemented by his leadership as the captain of the Canucks.
Jack Hughes, the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, has consistently demonstrated his elite playmaking abilities, while Luke Hughes, picked fourth by the Devils in 2021, continues to showcase his burgeoning talent. Both Jack and Luke honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, a testament to the rigorous training that has shaped their professional journeys.
The Hughes family’s athletic prowess extends beyond the brothers. Their father, Jim Hughes, captained at Providence College and served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, he is 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, securing a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen Hughes also brings her expertise to coaching and broadcasting, illustrating the family’s deep-rooted connection to the sport.
The Hughes brothers' first on-ice showdown took place on December 5, an emotional and competitive game that saw the Devils edge out the Canucks 6-5. Jack Hughes contributed three points, Luke scored a goal, and Quinn tallied two points. This historic event marked only the second time an American family had three brothers compete in the same NHL game, further cementing their legacy in hockey history.
The decision to feature the Hughes brothers on the cover of NHL 25 is not only groundbreaking but symbolic. "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," Quinn Hughes remarked, capturing the sentiment shared by his brothers. Luke Hughes echoed this, saying, "I think we grew up on the [video] game."
Quinn Hughes elaborated on this unique opportunity, stating, "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool." Their inclusion on the cover aligns with the game’s new features, particularly the "Ice-Q" feature. Chris Haluke, a representative involved in the game's development, emphasized how the Hughes brothers' playing styles influenced the inclusion of this feature. "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," Haluke explained.
Jack Hughes also conveyed the excitement surrounding this achievement, 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."
As the release date of NHL 25 approaches, anticipation builds not only for the innovative features of the game but also for the symbolic representation of the Hughes brothers. Their story is one of talent, hard work, and a deep-seated passion for hockey, embodying the spirit of the sport and serving as an inspiration for aspiring young players worldwide.