Johnson was part of the Hockey Canada delegation to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) congress in July 1975 to discuss the Canada men's national ice hockey team returning to international play. Canada had withdrawn from international play prior to the 1970 Ice Hockey World Championships over disagreements on the use of professional players. Johnson stated that Canada had a "strong desire" to participate in the World Championships, but sought co-operation from North American professional leagues and the Government of Canada. Canada proposed hosting an invitational tournament for the world's top six national teams allowing professionals, which became the Canada Cup. The IIHF approved the tournament and in return Canada agreed to play at the World Championships in 1977.