Born in the town of Weyburn, Saskatchewan on May 31st, 1955 centre Rick Shinske played the first two years of his junior hockey with the Kamloops Blazers then spent parts of five campaigns in the Western Hockey League. During his time in the WHL he was a late draft pick of the California Seals who soon relocated to Cleveland and it was with them that he made his NHL debut during the 1976-77.
Shinske played just five games with the Cleveland Barons that year but the following season he played 47 and managed five goals and 17 points. In the summer of 1978 the Barons franchise was dissolved and Shinske moved on to the Minnesota North Stars as a result. However, before he could suit up as a North Star he was claimed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues.
With the Blues Shinske played 11 games in 1978-79 and managed four assists. It ended up being his last experience at the NHL level.
Shinske played four more seasons of professional hockey after his time in St. Louis, primarily with the American Hockey League's Adirondack Red Wings before retiring in 1983.
