First-Ever PBR Canada Touring Pro Division Event Makes History in Kindersley
Energy Dodge Dakota Buttar Invitational Sells Out to Excited Crowd
Story and Photos by Kate Winquist
The atmosphere was electric Thursday night as Kindersley hosted its first-ever Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Canada event, the Energy Dodge Dakota Buttar Invitational. Named after local bull-riding legend Dakota Buttar, the event proved to be a spectacular celebration of talent and community spirit.
Long lines snaked around the Inter Pipeline Arena before the event, but eager fans quickly filled the venue, ready to embrace the excitement. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant pre-show environment, complete with refreshments, music, and a dynamic light show culminating in a fireworks display.
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Event organizer Pete Gebraad conveyed his enthusiasm to TSN Canada Cup series sideline reporter Alicia Erickson, sharing how community support turned dreams into reality. "This event was a pipedream before that video call took place, but the resounding support from your Town Council and your Mayor was the inspiration and the catalyst for all of this actually happening," he stated to cheers from the packed audience.
The event featured a special tribute to Dakota Buttar, showcasing his inspiring journey from growing up in Kindersley to becoming a two-time Canadian champion on a big-screen video. Host Brett Gardiner, a 13-time announcer of the year, added to the excitement, rallying the crowd with his dynamic commentary: "PBR friends, together with the champions of champions, celebrating the greatest bull riders on the face of the planet, all preparing to do battle 8 seconds at a time! Kindersley … welcome the bull riders of the PBR!"
When the dust settled, Camrose, Alberta's Coy Robbins emerged victorious, going a perfect 2 for 2 with scores of 81 and 86 for 167 points. This win marks Robbins' third in the current Touring Pro Division season, tying him with Dakota Buttar for the third-most events won in 2024 on Canada's developmental tour. Finishing in a close second was Lonnie West from Cadogan, AB, who scored 166.50 points.
Notable rides from the night included William Barrows (Foremost, AB) with 85 points, Aaron Roy (Yellowgrass, SK) with 84 points, and Gilmar Santana (Ouro Preto, Brazil) who earned 83.5 points. Dakota Buttar, a crowd favourite and two-time reigning PBR Canada Champion, unfortunately went 0-for-1, but remained honoured by the community's support.
"I'm humbled by the support Kindersley has shown me over the years and is now showing for the first-ever PBR event with my name on it," says Dakota. I grew up in Kindersley, and I'm very proud to be able to bring the best of the PBR to my hometown; it's a dream come true."