Shinske played for the Kamloops Rockets of the junior British Columbia Hockey League from 1971-73. He then moved on to the major junior Calgary Centennials of the WHL from 1973 to 1974 and then ended up with the New Westminster Bruins of the same league from 1974-76. He was picked 111th overall by the California Seals in the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft. Shinske split the 1976-77 and 1977-78 seasons with the Cleveland Barons and the minor pros. In 63 NHL games, Shinske scored 5 goals and 16 assists.