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Wednesday, April 1, 2026
The Setonian
Pirate and Scarlett Knight face 'Heated Rivarly' after dating rumors spark | Graphic by Jules Griesbauer | The Setonian

Passionate hockey faceoff between Seton Hall Pirate, Rutgers Scarlet Knight sparks dating rumors

Eagle-eyed Seton Hall students report intense eye contact and unusual behavior after the mascots were spotted together at the Princeton Tiger’s birthday party.

The SHU student section might be looking a little different next season, as female students flock to Prudential Center to get the scoop on the latest dating rumors involving the Pirate.

Rumors began to swirl in January when @shupirate Instagram account posted a photo of the Pirate and Scarlet Knight cozying up during a scrimmage at the Princeton Tiger’s birthday party. Users were quick to note the pair’s “chemistry.”

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The Pirate and Scarlett Knight spark dating rumors by skating too closely to each other | Photo via @shupirate on Instagram

Miriam Kimani, a junior accounting major, reposted the image to her Instagram story, adding the caption, “My sister goes to Rutgers and I lowkey saw the Pirate’s jersey peeking out of one of the dorms #watdatmean.”

For Maia Coyle, a junior communications major, the rumors come as no surprise. 

“I remember them making some pretty intense eye contact across the court during halftime,” Coyle said, recounting the New Jersey Hardwood Classic game between Seton Hall and Rutgers. December.

Alumni and current students alike have been quick to find evidence of a possible romantic relationship between the mascots.

Some students report suspicious behavior from the Pirate ever since the photo was posted.

“I saw the Pirate booking a cottage in New Brunswick on Airbnb for the summer,” Coyle said. “It could be unrelated, but I wouldn’t be too sure.”

Natalie O’Keefe, a sophomore social work major, also witnessed something bizarre.

“I could’ve sworn I saw the Pirate and Scarlet Knight on a rooftop together after a game,” O’Keefe said. “Which could mean nothing.”

All students can do now is watch, and boy, is it heated.

“I for one will be in the student section next season to see how this plays out, and I think the girls and the gays will do the same,” Coyle said. 

DISCLAIMER: The Shhh…tonian is a satirical version of The Setonian. These stories shouldn’t be taken seriously.

Lianna Cruz is the assistant editor for The Setonian’s Photography section. She can be reached at lianna.cruz@student.shu.edu.

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