* Nelson signed: The club signed assistant coach Mike Nelson for a second season this week, Nelson said Friday. He reached an agreement with Sherry Bassin, managing partner/general manager, on Wednesday, two days before Friday’s season opener in Windsor. Nelson will work at every home game and as many road trips as possible as well as attend Wednesday practices.
Nelson was relieved to complete the one-year deal. “I wanted to have some closure on it. It was two days from the season opener,” he said. “I hoped it would get done, and it did.”
* Major confidence: Former Otter Jordan Nolan, 18, enters his second full season with the Spitfires with a lofty goal in mind. “I can dominate this league if I want to,” he said before Friday’s game. “I know I what it takes to play in this league.” Nolan, acquired by the Spitfires on Sept. 8, 2006, also comfortable with his team. He also has fully recovered from off-season surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
“It’s going to be a good season.” Nolan had 14 goals and 28 points in 93 games during his first two seasons. He had three goals and 7 points in 33 games as a rookie with the Otters in the 2005-06 season.
* Keeping perspective: Windsor center Taylor Hall was the No. 2 pick in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection, one spot behind Otters winger Ryan O’Reilly. But Hall isn’t concerned with keeping pace with O’Reilly in their rookie season. “I just want to help the team,” he said before the game.
Hall played alongside Nolan and overager Matthew Bragg against the Otters. “This is something I’ve been looking forward to for awhile now,” Hall said of his OHL debut.
* An exciting homecoming: Otters rookie Shawn Szydlowski, 17, made his OHL debut a short ride from his hometown of St. Clair Shores, Mich. He expected 10 to 15 family members and friends in attendance, including his father, Steve. Both spent many nights watching Spitfires’ games in Windsor Arena, one of his father’s favorite rinks. Shawn recalled watching Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza play for Windsor from 2000-002. “It’s going to be intense,” Shawn said before the game. “I’m looking forward to it.”
* Palmieri update: Right wing Nick Palmieri remains at New Jersey’s camp. But he wasn’t listed on the list of players or scratches for the Devils’ preseason game against the New York Rangers on Friday.
* Keeping composure: Defenseman Tyler Hostetter joined goaltender Jaroslav Janus, defenseman David Shields and wingers Ryan O’Reilly and Szydlowski to make their OHL debut with the Otters. Hostetter spent time before the game keeping his nerves under control. “It’s real,” he said of the game.
* Around the rink: Defenseman Josh Kidd (groin) didn’t play Friday. The club scratched right wing Patrick Lee, choosing instead to insert Szydlowski into the lineup. Rookie goaltender Shane Owen didn’t dress. … Windsor scratched defensemen Blake Parlett and Jesse Blacker and right wing Ryan Baldwin. … The Spitfires began their final season in 82-year-old Windsor Arena. The club will move into Windsor Family Credit Union Arena next season.

– Victor Fernandes