When the University of Buffalo suspended intercollegiate athletics in 1943 for the duration of World War II, Powell left and coached basketball at Canisius College for two seasons (1944–45 and 1945–46)."Canisius Signs Buffalo Coach.," Union-Sun & Journal, Lockport, NY - March 4, 1944. His top achievement with the Canisius Golden Griffins was a victory over Nat Holman's CCNY team.
