Sixty-three candidates for the event in Moscow and Saint Petersburg were initially in the frame, but these have now been whittled down after close monitoring of their performances in international and domestic matches.

Twelve different nationalities are represented with the Championships taking place between May 6 and 22.

Ten officials will work for the first time at World Championship level, but the group does include referees with experience of the competition, as well as the Olympics.

The host nation will be represented by Konstantin Olenin, who officiated the gold medal game of the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Stockholm and the bronze medal game of the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.

Daniel Piechaczek from Germany has officiated at seven World Championships and one Olympics as is also among the group.

A full list of the officials can be viewed here.