NORTH-Easterner David Longstaff has been named ice hockey's Sekonda Player of the Year 2000/01.

David was up against stiff competition in the form of netminders Trevor Robins and Stevie Lyle, fellow forwards Tony Hand and Joe Cardarelli and defenceman Shayne McCosh.

However, the Sheffield Steelers forward, whose name has been on everyone's lips this season, was voted unanimously as the best player in the Sekonda Superleague.

The Steelers have enjoyed a magnificent season of success, staking their claim on the Benson & Hedges Cup, the Sekonda Superleague title and claiming the Challenge Cup for the third season in succession.

And Longstaff was in the side that clinched the playoffs on Sunday night, completing the Grand Slam.

The 26-year-old, who hails from Whitley Bay, this season became the first British player to lead a Superleague team to a Championship title.

David ended the Superleague schedule as Steelers top scorer with 19 goals and 29 assists from 47 games.

Those 48 points were a league career high for David, even allowing for the expanded schedule, and placed him eighth overall in the league scoring chart.

In the playoffs, David's one goal and three assists placed him sixth on Steelers scoring list. The ever-modest forward said: "I'm really shocked! I certainly didn't expect to win this.

"I actually thought it might go to Tony Hand as he has had a fantastic season.

"I don't think I've been the best player on the Steelers team this year. I do feel though that it has been my best season to date. But then on a team like this, everyone looks good!"

The 6'1" Great Britain international started playing professionally at the age of 15 with the Whitley Bay Warriors, and remained with the club until 95/96 when he made the short journey south to Yorkshire to join the Steelers.

His coach, Mike Blaisdell, said. "It's true that this is Lobby's best ever year. He has come of age and matured and we are lucky to have him at this stage of his career.

"He has all the skills, and has put in a great work ethic and commitment to the club.

"He's had a lot of ice time this year, and this has contributed to making him fitter than ever. He plays on all our special teams, which I'm sure also helps."