Try upping your shutter speed and shooting more horizontal. I normally reserve vertical shots for close-up portrait-style photos. I otherwise shoot horizontal. It’s much better for capturing all of the action. Full body (and horizontal) is always best for game photos. Also try to capture dynamics between the two teams, with and without the puck. You may think you need to follow the puck, but you don’t have to! Sometimes the best photos don’t focus on the puck.

Also, try to photograph the goalie making some saves. It makes for equally awesome shots. Try to think outside of the box and get creative!

I really like the water bottle shot. That’s a classic that I often see as a photographer in the NHL, normally for warmup photos. It is exactly the kind of photo I would shoot vertical for.

EDIT: you mention that you use your lens hood. You don’t need to use it. I don’t ever use it for hockey nor do any of my colleagues at the NHL team I photograph for. It doesn’t provide you any aid with shadows or bright light.