The Swedish team triumphed in front of a home crowd last year, overcoming Russia 4-3 in the gold medal match.

It ended Russia’s run of four consecutive victories at the tournament, including three straight victories in front of a home crowd.

Both nations have been drawn into Pool A of the Division A event, with action taking place in Khabarovsk.

They will be joined by Finland and Norway in the pool.

Sweden are due to begin their campaign tomorrow with a match against Finland, with Russia’s tie against Norway being held immediately after the official opening ceremony at the Arena Yerofey.

Pool B will begin with the United States taking on Germany, while Hungary are scheduled to face Kazakhstan in their opening match.

Pool matches are scheduled to take place until Wednesday (January 31), with all teams advancing to the quarter-finals, with make up of the ties depending on nations finishing position in the standings.

Knock-out matches will take place until next Sunday (February 4), when the medal matches are due to take place.

Should Sweden defend their title, it will take them one win away from the Soviet Union’s record of 14 gold medals.

Placement matches will also take place, with the lowest ranked nation at the end of the tournament suffering relegation to Division B.

This year’s Division B event will take place in the Chinese province Heilongjiang, with matches taking place at the Harbin Sport University Stadium.

Japan, Estonia, Mongolia and Ukraine will compete in Pool A, while China, Slovakia, the Netherlands and Somalia at playing in Pool B.

Winners of the final on Saturday (February 3) will be promoted to Division A.