EA Sports has set a historic precedent for the cover of NHL 25, featuring three siblings - Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. This groundbreaking cover choice makes NHL 25 the first in franchise history to spotlight siblings, underscoring the prodigious talents of the Hughes brothers.
The highly anticipated NHL 25 is scheduled for release on October 4, a date avid fans have circled on their calendars. The Hughes brothers' presence on the cover symbolizes not only their individual skills but also their collective impact on the game.
A Historic Achievement
Jack Hughes, who plays for the New Jersey Devils, was the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. His younger brother, Luke, also dons the Devils' jersey and was selected fourth overall in 2021. Meanwhile, their elder sibling, Quinn Hughes, has been making waves as the captain of the Vancouver Canucks, having been drafted seventh overall in 2018. Quinn's stellar performance was recently acknowledged with the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top defenseman.
Quinn expressed the brothers' collective sense of honor in being featured on the cover: "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 Brilliance
The athletic prowess of the Hughes siblings is no accident. Their parents, Jim and Ellen Hughes, boast impressive sporting backgrounds themselves. Jim, who captained Providence College's hockey team, has 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, was a multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire and played on the US women’s national hockey team, which clinched a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Ellen has also lent her expertise as a coach and broadcaster.
The Hughes brothers honed their skills at the United States National Team Development Program, setting the stage for their impressive NHL careers. Quinn and Luke even shared the ice during their collegiate days at the University of Michigan, a testament to their enduring bond and competitive spirit.
Memorable Matches and Milestones
The 2023 NHL season will open with a marquee match between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. Jack and Luke Hughes are primed to take the ice in this exciting opener, representing the Devils as they face off against their Atlantic Division rivals.
A particularly memorable moment in the Hughes brothers' journey came on December 5, when they played against each other in an NHL game for the first time. The New Jersey Devils emerged victorious in a thrilling 6-5 contest, with Jack contributing three points, Luke netting a goal, and Quinn adding two points for the Canucks. This game marked only the second occasion in NHL history where three American brothers competed in the same match.
EA Sports and the "Ice-Q" Feature
EA Sports' decision to feature the Hughes brothers on the cover also underscores the introduction of a new feature in NHL 25 called "Ice-Q." This innovation aims to enhance the gaming experience, aligning perfectly with the Hughes brothers' dynamic playing styles. Chris Haluke of EA Sports emphasized the synergy between the brothers' skills 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."
The Hughes brothers' excitement is palpable. Luke acknowledged their longstanding connection to the video game: "I think we grew up on the [video] game." Quinn reflected on the significance of this opportunity: "For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool."
Anticipation Builds
As the release date for NHL 25 approaches, fans eagerly await the chance to see the Hughes brothers in action on the cover and experience the new features themselves. Jack Hughes encapsulated the sentiment shared by many NHL players and fans: "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.'" 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."
With the upcoming season set to deliver high-stakes matches and NHL 25 promising an enhanced gaming experience, the Hughes brothers’ historic cover appearance is a proud moment and a fitting tribute to their remarkable skills and dedication to the sport.