I shoot ice hockey a lot. You're at the mercy of a lot of different factors.
Some rinks have mixed lighting (mix of different types of bulbs), so you need to adjust your WB depending on what section of the rink you're shooting at. Rinks with constant lighting are easier since you don't have to adjust WB after the initial reading.
If you have a rink with great glass, it makes a huge difference. It's really tough to shoot through really scuffed up boards. Some rinks, if you can't get a spot inside the bench or penalty area, you're best off just heading up to the back of the bleachers to shoot down towards the rink.
THe faster the glass, the better. I've been able to get by with my 70-200mm f/4L (NOT an IS), mostly at ISO 1600, custom WB, shutter at about 1/250. My 28-75mm f/2.8 lens works wonders, but the glass usually isn't clean enough to use it. My 70-200 has the focus limiter that only locks onto subjects well beyond the plane of the glass, so that helps a TON.
So basically, find a clean spot to shoot through or get yourself into an area without glass. My favorite spots to shoot from are just off to the side of the net, basically from the section of boards touched by the goal line extended, and from inside the penalty box or players box (if there's room for you).
Most importantly, keep in mind the sport you're shooting. You can usually capture some magnificent shots when you know who you should be paying attention to. The big guy that has a reputation for being a big checking force is probably the one you want to follow if he's on the ice and you want the big hit. The fast, high scoring forward is the one you're going to want to take note of if you're looking for the breakaway goal. Try to predict the shot before it happens, and treat the burst function as your friend.
I upload a lot of shots to my dad's web gallery when I shoot my cousin's hockey games. Here's a link to a tournament I just did last week:
Silver Stick Hockey Tournament @ Shores Civic Arena
Good luck shooting!