Native North Americans played a form of hockey called Shinny. This European name for the Native American game was derived from the Scottish game “Shinty” due to the game’s similarities in materials and rules. Native Americans played other stick and ball games, the most popular being Lacrosse (and its predecessor, stickball). The name Shinny would eventually be used to describe all the variations of this hockey-like game played by all the tribes. The Chumash people called the game tikauwichamong, the Cheyenne called it ohonistuts, and the Arapaho called the game gugahawat.

It is argued whether the Native Americans played this sport before European contact. There is inconclusive evidence, but the fact is that by the early 1900s, the game was fully immersed in Native American oral tradition mythology. The origins of the sport are still debated. Nevertheless, Shinny is an excellent example of how the cross-pollination of cultures evolved a new sport that would become the ancestor of the very popular modern-day hockey.

Materials: 

·      An ample open space (such as a gym or field)

·      Lots of hockey sticks

o   If the game is played outside

§  Students can gather sticks that would be suitable for hitting a ball (which could tie into other lessons on trees and botany)

·      Lots of balls of various sizes (softer is better)

o   Dodgeball

o   Tennis ball

o   Squishy baseball

o   Small soccer ball

·      Small goals or some type of large cylinder (large trash can, for example) that can be used as a goal

·      Colored jerseys or pennies to keep track of teams

·      Two large ropes or jump ropes (optional)

Minimum Amount of Students Needed: You could play this game with as few as four people (2V2). However, this game is much more fun with an entire class.

Age: All Ages