However, Morozov says the players don't feel relaxed at all despite training separately from the main squad.

“All those who gathered here are high-class professionals, both NHL and KHL players. Everybody's got enough experience to keep in good shape while training individually. The point is, we're focused on reaching our peak, and enjoy it,” Morozov added.

The athletic part of the training was followed by the action on ice, which conjured memories of the team's triumph at the 2008 World championships in Canada.

The stakes are equally high for the defending champions at the tournament starting on April 24 in Switzerland.

“That's sport…It's always hard to reach the top…and it's even harder to defend the title you hold. But we feel like we are able to do that, and indeed it's our only aim,” Alexandr Frolov from the L.A. Kings said.

No doubt, all eyes in Switzerland will be on Ilya Kovalchyuk, who made history at last year's final. The Atlanta Thrashers star scored two goals for Russia, including a winner in overtime, in that precious 5-4 win over Canada.

And the team's new captain says they will settle for nothing less than gold this time out.

“If we manage to show our best and play full strength, there can hardly be a team to beat us. Although let no one expect us to be over-confident and ever lose concentration,” Ilya Kovalchyuk said.

After getting together in the training camp, the full squad's plan is to leave for Switzerland on Tuesday morning and then hold a friendly with team Hungary on Wednesday.

Hosts Switzerland, France and Germany will accompany Vyacheslav Bykov’s men in Group B.

Russia’s squad for the World Championships is:

Goalkeepers: Alexander Eremenko ( Salavat Yulaev, KHL), Vasily Koshechkin (Lada, KHL), Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix Coyotes, NHL).

Defenders: Ilya Nikulin (Ak Bars, KHL), Konstantin Korneev (CSKA, KHL), Vitaly Atyushov (Metallurg, KHL), Vitaly Proshkin, Oleg Tverdovsky (both – Salavat Yulaev, KHL), Vitaly Vishnevsky (Lokomotiv, KHL), Dmitry Kalinin ( Phoenix Coyotes, NHL), Anton Volchenko (Ottawa Senators, NHL), Denis scallops (Oilers Edmonton, NHL).

Forwards: Danis Zaripov, Alexey Morozov (both – Ak Bars, KHL), Piotr Schastlivy, Oleg Saprykin (both – CSKA, KHL), Alexei Tereshchenko, Alexander Perezhogin, Alexander Radulov (all – Salavat Yulaev, KHL), Konstantin Gorovikov (SKA, KHL), Anton Kuryanov (Avangard, KHL), Sergey Mozyakin (Atlant, KHL), Sergey Zinoviev (Dynamo, KHL), Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta Thrashers, NHL), Alexander Frolov (Los Angeles Kings, NHL).