The Canadians beat 2016 hosts Russia 6-1 in last year’s final in Prague to claim a 25th global crown and despite having a young side this time round, they are expected to be in contention once more. 

The 19-year-old forward Connor McDavid, a contender to be named this season’s top National Hockey League (NHL) rookie, is the youngest player in an inexperienced Canada squad.

First up for the defending champions is a meeting tomorrow with last year’s bronze medallists the United States at the Yubileyny Sports Palace in St. Petersburg.

Also drawn against Canada in Group B are Finland, Slovakia, Belarus, France, Germany and Hungary.

Russia are considered favourites to take the world title on home ice and are also due begin their campaign tomorrow, against Czech Republic at Moscow’s Ice Palace.

Their other Group A opponents are Sweden, Switzerland, Latvia, Norway, Denmark and Kazakhstan.

Even with the absence of Alex Ovechkin - the NHL's leading goalscorer this season who is competing in the Stanley Cup playoffs with the Washington Capitals - the home nation are confident of success.

"Pressure is always there at World Championships and Olympic Games," said goalkeeper Semyon Varlamov.

"You cannot escape that.

"It is created by the fans, journalists and people around hockey.

"Our mission is to renounce all of that and concentrate on our targets.

"That's the hardest part."

Preliminary matches are set to take place on a daily basis until May 17 and will be followed by the quarter-finals on May 19.

The semi-finals are scheduled for May 21 with the medal matches set for May 22.