In an unprecedented event, hockey history was made as the Hughes brothers graced the ice simultaneously for the New Jersey Devils in a game, marking the ninth time three siblings played in the National Hockey League (NHL) at once. This remarkable feat is only the second time an American family has allowed three brothers to compete in the same NHL game, with the first instance being Neal and Aaron Broten of the Minnesota North Stars playing against their brother Paul and the New York Rangers in 1990.
Preceding the game, Luke, Jack, and Quinn Hughes took a historical photo together in the center of the ice. The trio's parents were in attendance, offering their support with mixed emotions. With Luke and Jack contributing offensively and Quinn delivering two assists, it was a family affair on the ice as the Hughes brothers set a powerful example.
It's no secret that siblings dream of sharing the ice in the NHL, but the Hughes brothers have made this dream a reality. Having been selected as the seventh overall pick in 2018, the eighth overall pick in 2019, and the fourth overall pick in 2021, the fact that both Jack and Quinn were chosen within the first seven picks is quite an achievement.
Although their focus was on the ice, Jesper Bratt's input was indispensable. Bratt's 34-second goal just before the final buzzer sealed the victory for the New Jersey Devils in an otherwise tight game.
With the Devils holding a 5:2 lead in the first two periods, the Vancouver Canucks fought back with Brock Boeser, Sam Lafferty, and Neal Nils Hoglander scoring, tying the game. However, with only 34 seconds remaining, Bratt's skilled maneuver granted New Jersey the win.
"The first two periods were good, but the third was terrible," Jack stated after the game. "However, we managed to find a way to win, and that's all that matters."
Asked about playing against his brothers, Quinn responded, "It's tough right now, but I'm sure they respect me more now than I do them. It's going to be a cool moment when I look back on these events in the near future."
Apparently, the Hughes brothers are no strangers to writing history. Despite being a new occurrence, this was the seventh time Quinn and Jack faced off against each other in a game. This time around, Jack had the upper hand, as the Devils clinched the victory with a score of 6:1.
"They have made a name for themselves in the entire league," referred Tyler Toffoli, a New Jersey Devils forward. "All three brothers are exceptional players, with Quinn and Jack gaining superstar status and Luke not far behind."
While this is the first time the brothers have played together in the same game, history suggests that family rivalries are inevitable. In fact, this is the seventh time Quinn and Jack have faced off against each other, with their encounters being competitive and exciting to witness.
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**Insights:**
Did you know that Neal and Aaron Broten were the first American brothers to play in a game together in the NHL in 1984? Brady and Matthew Tkachuk also made history as American brothers who played together in 2025 during the 4 Nations Face-Off. The presence of the Hughes brothers marked the second time in NHL history that three American brothers were featured in the same game.
