about

The Line in the Sky Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was created in 2012 based on the inspiration and memory of three College of the Holy Cross hockey players; Jake Jackson, Glenn Crane and John Bombard had their promising young lives unexpectedly cut short due to unfortunate illnesses. Jake, Glenn and John each left a unique mark on the lives of their teammates, friends and peers, inspiring them to look beyond the struggles of their own lives and be a source of strength for others. The Line in the Sky now continues to be inspired by those Holy Cross hockey players that followed Jake, Glenn and John in their fights and lost their lives too soon.

The Line in the Sky Foundation aims to support those battling life threatening illnesses, specifically cancer and mental health illnesses by raising awareness and monetary funding. Currently we are establishing relationships and partnerships with other organizations that align with the goals, mission and principal values of the Line in the Sky Foundation.


Jacob “Jake” Jackson

Jacob “Jake” Jackson died unexpectedly on September 10, 2001 after being diagnosed with depression. Jake was an outstanding scholar-athlete, who worked hard on the ice and in the classroom. His determination and quiet demeanor made him extremely popular with teammates and someone that could always be counted on.


Glenn “Spike” Crane

Glenn “Spike” Crane passed away on December 23, 2002 after a courageous two-year battle with Hodgkin’s disease. Glenn’s positive attitude, sense of humor, passion for life and dedication to others had an everlasting impact on everyone he met. Glenn’s inspiration led the Holy Cross hockey program to create an annual award in his honor. The Glenn “Spike” Crane Memorial award is given at the conclusion of each season to the Holy Cross hockey player who excels most in the little things, and leads his teammates by example.


John “Bomber” Bombard

John Bombard passed away on July 2, 2003 after a long battle with cancer. John had an incredible work-ethic, was an outstanding student and a hard-nosed, fierce competitor on the ice. In addition to his commitment to academics and the varsity hockey program, John played varsity baseball and was a member of the Holy Cross ROTC program. His commitment to all of these causes was unwavering, as was his love for family and friends. John fought his illness the same way that he lived his life, with strength and honor, and, as he promised he would, graduated from Holy Cross with his classmates in May of 2003.


Kevin "Brody" Broderick

Kevin "Brody" Broderick passed away on May 17, 2008 at the age of 36 after a nearly four-year battle with Ewing's Sarcoma. A 1995 graduate, Kevin was a standout collegiate goaltender and a 1995 ECAC East All-Conference First Team selection as well as the winner of the 1991 Bessone Award given to the best hockey player in western Massachusetts.

A native of Holyoke, MA, Kevin would go on to work as a teacher and serve as an assistant hockey coach and goaltender coach at the National Sports Academy.

Throughout his tenacious battle with cancer he took the time to comfort and support other patients who were suffering, including children, adolescents and adults. He also cheered and strengthened his family, care-givers, doctors and nurses with a tremendously positive attitude.

Kevin emboddied the motto "Love, Compassion and Strength," and inspired others through his life, his easy going and caring way, and his generous nature. Kevin had a gift for bringing people from different backgrounds together in a spirit of unity and cooperation.


Lance MacFarland "Duke" Brady

Lance MacFarland "Duke" Brady, 48, a local hockey legend, passed away February 5, 2019. As he always did, Lance, or "Duke" as he was affectionately known to his teammates, coaches, players and friends, faced his cancer diagnosis with the same determination he faced everything else...full speed ahead. Lance devoted most of his life to playing and coaching a sport that he so loved, hockey.

He most recently served as the Director of Hockey Operations for Merrimack College, North Andover, MA. Prior to that, Duke spent 10 years coaching the Assumption College Greyhounds. He was named "Coach of the Year" by the NE10 four times during his time at Assumption and was proud of the fact that he coached three players who have gone on to play professionally.

He was named an ECAC East Second Team All-Star and a New England Hockey Writers All-Star. Lance was truly the ultimate "hockey guy" and embodied the qualities of a perfect teammate and coach.