EA Sports has set a significant precedent in the world of gaming by choosing Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes to grace the cover of NHL 25, marking the first instance in the franchise’s history that siblings have jointly appeared on the cover. The highly anticipated release, set for October 4, coincides with the opening of the NHL season, which will feature a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia.
The Hughes brothers bring a wealth of talent and familial legacy to this honor. Jack and Luke Hughes lace up their skates for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes commands the defensive line as the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn, recently crowned with the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, reflects the high expectations and remarkable accomplishments that have become synonymous with the Hughes name.
Behind these remarkable brothers stands a supportive and accomplished family. Their father, Jim Hughes, a former captain at Providence College, has enjoyed a lengthy career in hockey management and coaching. Currently, he serves as the director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs, following stints as an assistant coach with both the Boston Bruins and the Maple Leafs. It is clear that the passion for hockey runs deep in the Hughes lineage.
Their mother, Ellen Hughes, also boasts an impressive athletic background. A multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire, Ellen represented the United States on the women’s national hockey team, earning a silver medal at the 1992 World Championships. Her experience extends beyond playing; she has also coached and worked as a broadcaster, further embedding herself in the sport.
The Hughes brothers, who honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, have individually achieved notable successes in their young careers. Quinn was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018, Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke was chosen fourth overall by the Devils in 2021. Their time at the University of Michigan further polished their burgeoning talents, setting the stage for their NHL careers.
The milestone of featuring on the cover of NHL 25 is more than a personal achievement; it is a shared honor amongst the brothers. "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 expressed. The sentiment is shared by his younger brother Luke, who noted, "I think we grew up on the [video] game," underscoring their deep connection to both the sport and its digital representation.
Jack Hughes echoed this pride, remarking, "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.'" The Hughes brothers’ journey from playing the video game to becoming its cover stars is a testament to their dedication and love for the sport.
EA Sports' decision to feature the Hughes siblings also aligns with the introduction of a new feature in NHL 25, the "Ice-Q" feature. Chris Haluke from EA Sports explained, "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 family's legacy and recent achievements have paved the way for this groundbreaking moment. The Hughes brothers previously made history by playing in an NHL game on December 5, where they showcased their talents: Jack posted three points, Luke scored a goal, and Quinn accumulated two points in a thrilling game that saw the Devils emerge victorious 6-5. Notably, this was only the second instance in NHL history where three American brothers played in the same game.
Reflecting on the significance of this cover, Jack Hughes shared his excitement, "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 for NHL 25 builds, the inclusion of the Hughes brothers on the cover underscores a profound endorsement of their skill, dedication, and the symbolic unity they bring to the sport. For hockey fans and gaming enthusiasts alike, October 4 promises to be a day of celebration, not only for the release of the game but for the recognition of a family that epitomizes the spirit of hockey.