Coverchuk makes history as third multi-time Canada PBR Champion

Entering the national finals, Coverchuk ranked second, trailing behind the top rider of the year, Dakota Buttar, by 55.66 points.

With a maximum of 180 points up for grabs, Coverchuk was presented with an opportunity to string together strong performances to overtake the top spot.

After the contest opened up Friday, Coverchuk experienced challenges which resulted in the rider going 0-2 on his opening runs.

In an interview with meadowlakeNOW, he explained keeping a composed mindset was a crucial component of his plan to rebound and finish the competition strong.

“It was tough to stay positive,” Coverchuk said.

“That’s bull riding. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s the nature of the sport. The biggest thing is being able to stay positive throughout those tough times to be able to capitalize.”

Coverchuk’s success in the finals resulted in the Meadow Lake rider becoming a part of history that only two others have achieved.

By finishing as the top-ranked rider in the 2021 season, Coverchuk became only the third rider to be crowned the national champion at least twice.

(Photo credit/Covy Moore)

Before the event, Coverchuk elaborated on where his focus was, saying accolades were not of importance to him at the time. Now that he’s earned the achievement, he said he is honoured to be a bigger part of the sport’s history.

“It still hasn’t fully sunk in yet,” he said.

“That’s why all of us bull riders ride bulls, to do exactly what I’ve accomplished. Only one guy gets to say they’re the Canadian champion, to be able to accomplish that is something that I’ve always strived for.”

A significant turning point in the event came after it was announced that Dakota Buttar would be ruled out of the rest of the competition with a groin injury. With Buttar sidelined, the top spot became much more obtainable for those ranked behind him.

After posting strong efforts on Saturday, Coverchuk shot to the third spot in the aggregate.

After posting 83 points by riding Rico from Vold Rodeo, he scored 89.5 points in the final round by covering the 2019 PBR Canada Finals Bull of the Year, Finning Lil Shorty from Flying Four Bucking Bulls — the same bull he covered in the 2016 PBR Canada National Finals.

Coverchuk shared his relationship with the bull played a role in his ability to replicate his success from their previous encounter.

“Usually he starts spinning to the left, then back to the right, but with me, both times he just blows up and goes right,” he explained.

“Everybody knows that bull, everyone loves getting on that bull… he’s a really good bull and one that you like to see your name beside for sure.”

(Photo credit/Covy Moore)

Speaking on losing Buttar to injury during the contest, Coverchuk stated while the development contributed to his success, the loss of a tough competitor heavily impacted the event as a whole.

“Honestly, I felt bad for Dakota. All of us, we go all year and we obviously want to win Canada. I don’t like that he had to be out,” he said.

“I know Dakota is going to come back stronger than ever next year, and I believe his misfortune is going to fuel his fire.”

With the 2021 season now concluded, Coverchuk said he plans to rest and take some time to recover ahead of the next PBR event scheduled to take place in Lloydminster, Alta. in December.

“I’m really happy that I got the job done this year, and I’m really happy to be from Meadow Lake and win a second Canadian championship. Hopefully Meadow Lake likes that.”

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp

by Elliott Knopp

Coverchuk makes history as third multi-time Canada PBR Champion

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