 Günther Sabetzki became president of the IIHF in 1975 and helped to resolve the dispute with the CAHA . The IIHF agreed to allow " open competition " between all players in the World Championships , and moved the competition to later in the season so players not involved in the NHL playoffs could participate . However , NHL players were still not allowed to play in the Olympics , because of both the unwillingness of the NHL to take a break mid @-@ season and the IOC 's strict amateur @-@ only policy . The IIHF also agreed to endorse the Canada Cup , a competition meant to bring together the best players from the top hockey @-@ playing countries . 
