By Stuart Hughes BBC Sport Online

Manchester Storm have made the summer's biggest signing so far by securing the services of Great Britain captain, David Longstaff.

Longstaff, named 2000-2001 player of the year by the Superleague and the British Ice Hockey Writers' Association, left Britain last year to join Swedish side Djurgardens.

"I've always been an admirer of David and couldn't blame him last year for choosing to go to Sweden," said Manchester Storm coach Daryl Lipsey.

"I was determined to sign him this summer and now I've got my man.

"At 27 he's coming into his prime and I think we can expect great things from him in a Manchester Storm uniform."

Longstaff added: "Lipper (Daryl Lipsey) wanted me to sign last season but I felt a need to try my luck in Europe.

"Lipper stayed in touch with me and at the play-off weekend we talked again and took things from there. Now I'm a Storm player I'm keen to become part of the set-up."

The 27-year-old from Wallsend made his senior debut for Whitley Bay at the age of 15. He later spent five seasons with Sheffield Steelers.

Talks begin

Meanwhile, there are signs of a thawing in the relationship between the Ice Hockey Superleague and the semi-professional British National League.

Executives have said that talks aimed at improving the development of young players between the two leagues are well underway.

The two leagues, which have frequently been at odds in the past, have agreed to hold regular meetings to examine ways of helping up-and-coming players.