I’m getting the shaft end of the stick

During a game of spades, the speaker uttered this gem in response to receiving a bad hand.  This is a mash up of “getting the shaft” (to be cheated or mistreated) and “the short end of the stick” (receiving the smaller or less desirable part).  I particularly like this one, as short and shaft have the same number of letters and begin with sh.  Also, a shaft is also part of a stick, such as hockey sticks.  Perhaps this is a hockey expression (or should be?)?  I say the speaker should have two minutes in the penalty box.  A tip of the toque to Adam Jacob for hearing this one and sending it in!