I might have missed something here, but one doesn't have to go back 70 years
to have played shinny.  It is still used to describe an informal hockey
atmosphere - no refs, no "real" contact (most arguments in shinny generate
from the definition of "real"), loose rules (um, was that a blue line?), can
be played 2 on 2, 3 on 3, etc., no formal periods, usually no timeouts and no
score is kept.  It can be played on ponds or rinks, with less than full
equipment (never, never wear hockey pants - elbow pads, gloves, helmets are
acceptable).  Shinny just flows, and is fun (and tiring for old men.....).
 
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