Hi, I also shoot a lot of hockey. I use the 7D and I'd say it's perfect for it. (I suppose the 1D4 is even better, but that's out of my budget anyway.)

Regarding lenses I mainly use either 70-200 f/4 (in really well lit arenas) or otherwise 85/1.8. I've never tried 60D but my guess is that it's a lot more like the 7D than your current rebel. I'm sure 60D will work great for hockey (as well as just about any other type of photography).

(To be honest, f/4 is not very good for hockey although useable. As mentioned I use it in really well lit arenas and then the typical setting can be ISO5000 - f/4 - 1/800. See the small sample shot below that were shot with these settings.)



My budget advice would be to go for a really fast lens and a 60D. Choose between 85/1.8 or 100/2 - both are great for many indoor events. I beleive this would fit your 1-2k budget. If you are willing to spend a lot, the 7D paired with a 70-200/2.8 IS II would be difficult to beat.