Both teams seeking to go one better in 2014 were announced following the National Hockey League (NHL) outdoor Winter Classic between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings at Michigan Stadium.

The men's team contains 13 Olympic veterans, with Vancouver 2010 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award winning goaltender Ryan Miller and prolific goal scorer Patrick Kane expected to lead the way.

Eight other forwards, two defencemen and one additional goaltender with Olympic experience punctuate the roster, including Ryan Suter and winner of the 2012 Conn Smythe Trophy Jonathan Quick.

Ryan Miller is one of the returning stars who will be leading the US charge at Sochi 2014 ©Getty Images

As well as the Canadians, the US team - who won the world bronze medal in 2013 - will have to get the better of the likes of Sweden and Switzerland, who finished in the gold and silver medal positions, respectively, at the World Championships.

In the preliminary stage they will face Russia and Slovenia, as well as Slovakia in their opening game on February 13.

Despite the stiff competition, team general manager David Poile, who is also President of hockey operations for NHL side Nashville Predators, is confident that there is every chance of more medal success.

"We went through a very thorough process to get to today and could not be happier with the team we've selected," he said.

"We're fortunate to have probably the deepest talent pool we've ever had in our country and that made for some very difficult decisions.

"In the end, however, we're confident we've selected a group of players that puts us in the best position to have success in Sochi."

In contrast to the men, the women are the reigning world champions and are certain of going head to head once again with the Canadians at least once after the two powerhouses were drawn in the same preliminary stage.

The 21-strong US squad will feature 11 players with Olympic experience, including three-time Olympic medallist and four-time world champion Julie Chu, who will be chasing that elusive gold at her fourth Games.

The likes of Julie Chu will need to take advantage of their Olympic experience if the US women are to go one better than their Vancouver 2010 silver medal at Sochi 2014 ©Getty Images

"Today is an important day for our team and we're thrilled to continue our journey toward Sochi," Katey Stone, head coach for the US team, said.

"We have a good blend of veterans and first-time Olympians and we're excited about what lies ahead.

"We're enthusiastic about our team and focused on getting better every day."

The US women's team, which includes three goaltenders, seven defencemen and 11 forwards, will continue training and competing in the Boston area until departing for the Olympics on February 1.

As well as Canada, they will face Switzerland in the group stage and Finland in their first game, which is due to take place on February 8.