Experience can be an arch to build on.
If that's the case, Minot Minotauros forward Denis Dalidovich should be ready for the second half of the season.
Dalidovich is recently returning from his International Ice Hockey Federation World Juniors trip, where he thrived for his home country of Belarus in the Division I qualifying tournament held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.
"Of course it's an honor (playing for Team Belarus), even though it's not my first time. It's always an honor," said Dalidovich, who has also been a part of the Belarussian U-18 team.
Denis made his country proud, scoring two goals and three assists in five games in Germany. Though Team Belarus was unable to advance to Calgary, Dalidovich is confident in his country's ability on the ice.
"Hockey is the No. 1 sport in Belarus." Dalidovich stated. "We love hockey there."
Team Belarus was faced with a daunting challenge right away, as it faced the host country in the first game.
"There are no excuses," Dalidovich said. "We got off the plane, the next day we had to play Germany, who had been skating there together for two weeks. We lost 2-1 and basically that was the end of our tournament."
All was not lost though, as Denis said he was happy to see old teammates, friends and countrymen. Denis was also reveling in the treatment provided by his home country.
"They gave us everything. All new equipment, we ate very well, and there were always trainers on hand to help."
Denis looks to feed of his World Junior experience in the second half of the Tauros' season.
"We have a long list of goals of what we plan to accomplish this second half, as well as in individual games," Dalidovich said.