Beyla Halpenny and his mother love to attend Raiders home games. (Image Credit: Facebook/ Shannon Halpenny)

By Nigel Maxwell

Go Raiders Go

Dancing pirate excited about Raiders’ fortune

Feb 1, 2026 | 12:52 PM

The Prince Albert Raiders are ranked number one in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), and one of their biggest fans is treasuring the moment.

Beyla Halpenny, 13, is known affectionately as ‘the dancing pirate’, and if you’ve been to a home game, chances are you’ve seen him busting out some moves in the stands between sections 19 and 20 after every Raiders’ goal.

“It’s nice to get people riled up and all that,” he told paNOW

Beyla volunteers as an usher and said the idea to dress up as a pirate came about at the start of last season’s playoffs. Estimating it takes about 15 minutes to get suited up, Beyla explained he does his own make up and joked he has gone through a few hats.

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And as far as where he learned those awesome dance moves.

“Honestly, just like YouTube shorts,” he confessed.

Noting his favourite player is goaltender Michal Orsulak, Beyla said he thinks his favourite team can go all the way this season.

Beyla’s mother, Shannon Halpenny, is very proud of her son’s commitment to the team.

“I love watching him get up there. I think it’s fantastic. He is just in his own little zone with that and I love seeing how everyone reacts to him and enjoys his energy and all the positivity and just the fun that he brings to all the games.”

Celebrating (Image Credit: Facebook/ Shannon Halpenny)

Mike Scissons, business manager of the Prince Albert Raiders, said the team loves having Beyla around.

“It is joyous for every member of our organization to see him each game.  His unbridled enthusiasm is infectious, and you can’t help but smile when you get the chance to see him on the jumbotron or chat with him in person.  He embodies what it means to be a passionate Raiders fan.”

The Prince Albert Raiders are in Saskatoon this afternoon to face the Blades. Puck drop is 4 p.m.

The team’s next home game is this Wednesday, Feb. 4 when the Calgary Hitmen come to town. You can be sure, there will be a dancing pirate in the stands doing his part to help keep the Raiders’ season momentum going.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell