In a remarkable turn of events, the hockey world was stirred as the Hughes brothers stepped onto the ice together for the New Jersey Devils, marking the ninth time three siblings graced the National Hockey League (NHL) stage at once. This feat, only the second time an American family has seen three brothers play in the same NHL game, was previously achieved by Neal and Aaron Broten of the Minnesota North Stars, who faced off against their brother Paul and the New York Rangers in 1990.
Kicking off the night, Luke, Jack, and Quinn Hughes posed for an unforgettable photo in the center of the ice, their proud parents looking on with a mix of emotions. Luke and Jack contributed offensively, while Quinn dished out two assists, making for a family affair that set a significant example.
Sibling dreams of sharing the ice in the NHL are no myth, and the Hughes brothers made this dream a reality. Selected as the seventh overall pick in 2018, the eighth overall pick in 2019, and the fourth overall pick in 2021, Jack and Quinn's high placement is a testament to their talents.
Jesper Bratt's influence wasn't overshadowed. With just seconds remaining on the clock, Bratt's impressive maneuver sealed the win for the New Jersey Devils in a tight game. Although the Devils held a comfortable 5:2 lead in the first two periods, the Vancouver Canucks fought back, tying the game with goals from Brock Boeser, Sam Lafferty, and Neal Nils Hoglander. Bratt's last-minute goal secured the Devils' victory by a 6:4 score.
"The first two periods were good, but the third was terrible," Jack stated post-game. "However, we found a way to win, making the outcome worth it."
Addressing their in-game rivalry, Quinn noted, "It's tough right now, but I'm sure they respect me more now than I do them. It'll be a proud moment when I look back on these experiences soon enough."
The Hughes brothers may have a history of making headlines, but this particular event marked their inaugural NHL game together. Their encounters haven't always resulted in wins for Jack, as they faced off seven times before, with their latest matchup resulting in a 6:1 victory for the Devils.
"The brothers have earned quite the reputation in the league," noted forward Tyler Toffoli. "All three are outstanding players, with Quinn and Jack gaining superstar status and Luke close behind."
Family rivalries are inevitable in such situations. In fact, this is the seventh time Quinn and Jack have faced off, their encounters proving to be entertaining and competitive.
Despite not finding direct information in the sources, it's likely that American brothers have played together in the NHL before the Tkachuk brothers' recent performance in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Their early-game sequence saw three fights breaking out in the first nine seconds, creating a memorable spectacle.
