EA Sports Elevates NHL 25 with Landmark Hughes Brothers Cover
EA Sports has made a historic decision for the cover of NHL 25, spotlighting the exceptional Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes. For the first time in the franchise's storied history, siblings will grace the cover, capturing the remarkable legacy and talent that runs through the Hughes family.
Set for release on October 4, NHL 25 arrives with a blend of anticipation and excitement, particularly given its revolutionary new "Ice-Q" feature. The game's timing couldn't be more perfect, aligning with the thrilling start of the NHL season, which opens with a marquee match featuring the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia.
A Family Affair in the NHL
Jack and Luke Hughes are essential players for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes leads as the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. Each brother has carved a niche in the league, not just through their skills but also their shared lineage. Their father, Jim Hughes, has a rich background in the sport, having been a captain at Providence College and an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Currently, he is the director of player development for the Maple Leafs.
The brothers' mother, Ellen Hughes, also boasts an impressive athletic background. A multi-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire, Ellen played on the US women’s national hockey team, securing a silver medal at the 1992 world championships. Her experience as a coach and broadcaster adds further depth to the sports-centric Hughes family.
Quinn Hughes entered the NHL as the seventh pick for the Canucks in 2018. Jack followed as the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke was chosen fourth by the Devils in 2021. Both Quinn and Luke shone at the University of Michigan, honing their skills before making a mark in the NHL. The Hughes brothers' prominence underscores a new era of sibling prowess in the NHL.
Milestones and Accolades
In a game on December 5, the Hughes brothers faced off in the NHL for the first time, with the Devils edging out the Canucks 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, highlighting their unique achievement.
Adding to the family's accolades, Quinn Hughes recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman. This particular honor cements Quinn's status as one of the league’s elite players.
Reflecting on the honor of being featured on the game's cover, Quinn Hughes shared, "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." His sentiment is echoed by his brother Luke, who added, "I think we grew up on the [video] game."
Jack Hughes captured the excitement of the moment, 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 continued, "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."
Innovative Features and Anticipation
Chris Haluke, EA Sports producer, emphasized the choice of the Hughes brothers as a natural fit for NHL 25. "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 "Ice-Q" feature promises to offer players a novel gaming experience, marrying advanced gameplay mechanics with the on-ice brilliance of the Hughes siblings.
The inclusion of the Hughes brothers on the cover of NHL 25 is more than just a marketing strategy; it’s a symbolic endorsement of their talent and the continued evolution of the game. For EA Sports, this move encapsulates the forward momentum of the NHL franchise, setting a new benchmark for future editions.
As the NHL season gears up, the Hughes brothers' presence on the cover adds a layer of intrigue and admiration. Fans and players alike eagerly await the drop of NHL 25, ready to experience the game alongside its historic cover stars.