EA Sports has embarked on a historic journey with NHL 25, choosing to spotlight the remarkable Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn—on the cover. This decision breaks new ground, marking the first time siblings have graced the cover of the franchise.
The move is not just symbolic but also celebrates the exceptional talent and legacy of the Hughes family. NHL 25 is set to be released on October 4, coinciding with an eagerly anticipated NHL season that kicks off with the Buffalo Sabres facing the New Jersey Devils in a marquee match in Prague, Czechia. Jack and Luke Hughes, playing for the New Jersey Devils, and Quinn Hughes, the captain of the Vancouver Canucks, are no strangers to the spotlight.
A Family Steeped in Hockey Tradition
The Hughes family boasts a rich hockey heritage. Their father, Jim Hughes, was a captain at Providence College and later served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He currently holds the position of 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, clinching a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen Hughes has also made her mark as a coach and broadcaster.
Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in 2018 and has recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Jack Hughes was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, followed by Luke Hughes who was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. Quinn and Luke both honed their skills at the University of Michigan, adding another layer of prestige to their already impressive resumés.
Inspiring Gameplay
The Hughes brothers first faced off in an NHL game on December 5, a game that saw the Devils triumph 6-5. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn finished with two points. This game marked only the second time an American family had three brothers play in the same NHL match. The Hughes brothers have also showcased their talents in various international events, refining their skills at the United States National Team Development Program.
The Significance of the Cover
Quinn Hughes expressed the collective sentiment of the brothers regarding the cover choice, saying, "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." This sentiment was echoed by Jack Hughes, who added, "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.'" For Luke, growing up on the video game makes the experience even more personal and significant.
New Features in NHL 25
One of the most anticipated aspects of NHL 25 is the "Ice-Q" feature, which is expected to enhance gameplay significantly. Chris Haluke, a representative for EA Sports, highlighted the synergy between the Hughes brothers' play styles and the new 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 noted.
The endorsement of the Hughes brothers on the NHL 25 cover is symbolic and serves as a nod to the new generation of hockey talent. Their dynamic style of play, combined with their exceptional skill sets, aligns perfectly with the innovative gameplay features that EA Sports aims to bring to fans this season.
Quinn Hughes aptly summed up the honor by stating, "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool." Jack Hughes echoed this sentiment, mentioning the unique opportunity, "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 approaches, anticipation for NHL 25 continues to build. The combination of the Hughes brothers' cover feature and the new "Ice-Q" gameplay promises an exciting season for both gamers and ice hockey fans alike.