EA Sports Makes History with Hughes Brothers on NHL 25 Cover
In a groundbreaking move, EA Sports has announced that the cover of NHL 25 will feature sibling trio Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. This historic decision marks the first time in the franchise's history that siblings have graced the cover, making it a noteworthy moment for both EA Sports and the Hughes family.
NHL 25 is scheduled for release on October 4, generating significant excitement not only for its new features but also for its symbolic endorsement of the Hughes brothers, who have become prominent figures in the NHL.
A Family Legacy
The Hughes family's deep roots in hockey are well-documented. Their father, Jim Hughes, captained Providence College before working as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Jim currently serves as 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 a silver medalist with the US women’s national hockey team at the 1992 world championships. Ellen has also made her mark as a coach and broadcaster.
Rising Stars
Quinn Hughes, the eldest of the brothers, was drafted seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018 and has quickly established himself as one of the league’s top defensemen. His efforts were recently recognized with the prestigious Norris Trophy.
Jack Hughes followed suit, being selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2019. The youngest, Luke Hughes, was picked fourth overall by the Devils in 2021. Both Jack and Luke play for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn captains the Vancouver Canucks.
Reflecting on their achievement, Quinn Hughes expressed his gratitude: "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."
Jack Hughes echoed those sentiments, highlighting the significance of the accolade: "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.'"
From Video Games to Reality
The Hughes brothers, having grown up playing video games, find a special connection to this moment. Luke Hughes commented, "I think we grew up on the [video] game."
For EA Sports, the decision to feature the Hughes brothers on the cover goes beyond their talent on ice. Chris Haluke, a representative for 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."
Indeed, NHL 25 is anticipated to bring fresh innovations to the gaming world with its new "Ice-Q" feature, which aims to enhance the gameplay experience by mirroring the Hughes brothers' dynamic playing styles.
International Success
The Hughes brothers' prowess on the ice is not limited to the NHL. They have consistently showcased their skills on the international stage, earning medals in various international events and honing their talents at the United States National Team Development Program. Their collegiate careers were equally impressive, with both Quinn and Luke making a significant impact at the University of Michigan.
The trio made history in December when all three faced off in an NHL game for the first time. The New Jersey Devils triumphed over the Vancouver Canucks with a thrilling 6-5 victory. Jack scored three points, Luke netted a goal, and Quinn added two points to his tally. This game marked only the second time in NHL history that three brothers from an American family competed in the same match.
Anticipation Builds for NHL 25
With the release date approaching, NHL fans eagerly anticipate the launch of NHL 25. The inclusion of the Hughes brothers on the cover has added a personal and emotional layer to the excitement surrounding the game's new features.
Jack Hughes shared his enthusiasm: "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 October 4 draws nearer, the hockey community looks forward to experiencing the latest installment of EA Sports' NHL franchise, featuring the first-ever sibling trio on its cover and the innovative "Ice-Q" feature that promises to elevate the gaming experience.