ST. LOUIS — Participating countries in the World Cup of Hockey announced their initial 16 selections for their rosters on Wednesday, and forward Vladimir Tarasenko was among three St. Louis Blues who earned spots on their respective countries’ teams.

Tarasenko was selected for the Russian team, while Blues forward Alexander Steen will play for Team Sweden and forward Jori Lehtera will play for Team Finland.

Vladimir Sobotka, whose NHL rights are owned by the Blues but who now plays in the Kontinental Hockey League, was named to the Czech Republic team.

Each team will complete its roster by adding seven more players by June 1.

The World Cup will be held before the NHL preseason, from Sept. 17 through Oct. 1 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The games will be played under NHL rules. The tournament was last played in 2004.