To ease the pain of shin splints, get a McDonald's cup or any paper cup with wax coating on the inside. Fill with water and put in the freezer. When you get home from practice, unwrap the paper and massage the ice on your shins. Do this for at least 10 minutes each leg.
To reduce shin splint occurrences, pay special attention to stretching your calves every day. Also, if you have a buddy that would be willing to help you out... Lay on your back with your legs stretched out on the ground. Have them push your toes toward the ground. This should give you a good stretch. Good luck!