Historic NHL 25 Cover Features Hughes Brothers
In an unprecedented move, EA Sports has chosen siblings Jack, Luke, and Quinn Hughes to grace the cover of NHL 25, marking a first in the franchise's history. This historic choice comes as fans eagerly anticipate the release of the game on October 4, a date circled by gaming enthusiasts and hockey fans alike.
The selection of the Hughes brothers for the cover goes beyond mere symbolism, capturing their rapid ascent in the world of professional hockey. Jack and Luke Hughes don the jersey for the New Jersey Devils, while Quinn Hughes commands the defensive ranks as the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. Their combined talent and the honor of being featured together on NHL 25's cover are a glowing testament to their individual and collective acclaim.
"For them to decide to attach their brand with the three of us was pretty cool," Quinn Hughes reflected. The sentiment is echoed by Jack Hughes, who said, "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.'"
Roots Run Deep
The Hughes brothers come from a lineage steeped in high-level hockey pedigree. Their father, Jim Hughes, captained the team at Providence College and served as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. He currently acts as the director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Their mother, Ellen Hughes, brings her own impressive credentials, having been 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. This extensive background has clearly influenced their high hockey IQ and skillset.
The Hughes brothers spent formative years honing their abilities at the United States National Team Development Program, which undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping their professional trajectories. Quinn was drafted seventh by the Canucks in 2018, Jack was the first overall pick for the Devils in 2019, and Luke was picked fourth by the Devils in 2021. Individually, their journeys have been marked by significant milestones, yet their collective presence on the cover of NHL 25 is something special.
"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 said, acknowledging the magnitude of this achievement. Luke Hughes added, "I think we grew up on the [video] game," illustrating their long-standing connection with the franchise.
A Season of Anticipation
The NHL season is set to commence with a marquee matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and the New Jersey Devils in Prague, Czechia. This opening game is significant not just for its setting but also because it features Jack and Luke Hughes, who will undoubtedly draw additional attention to the event. It’s a fitting start to what promises to be an exciting season.
Quinn Hughes enters the season on a high note, having recently earned the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Such accolades underline his elite status and further justify his inclusion on NHL 25’s cover. The Hughes brothers are poised to continue their impactful performances, adding to their list of accomplishments which already includes various international medals.
Innovations in NHL 25
EA Sports' NHL 25 not only celebrates the Hughes brothers but also introduces innovative features like the "Ice-Q" feature. Chris Haluke from EA Sports said, "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."
What makes this edition of the game highly anticipated is not only the symbolic endorsement by the Hughes brothers but also the promise of a richer, more immersive gaming experience. “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,” Jack Hughes remarked.
The cover of NHL 25 signifies more than just a marketing choice; it's a celebration of the Hughes brothers’ ascension in the world of professional hockey and their roles as ambassadors of the sport. As they continue to make headlines on the ice, their virtual presence is set to inspire a new generation of hockey fans and players.