The PS3 is the king of specs, no question. It's a beast. It may take enough time that your children will be enjoying maximized games for it.
Really, I don't see how anyowe would choose a PS3 over a 360 right now, if those are all you're considering. The PS3 is overpriced, and the library is suffering from typical first yeear doldrums.
The Xbox360 should be more than enough for you to enjoy playing hockey with. Online is a cinch, the graphics are very nice, and you're saving hundreds of dollars.
Unless money is no object, I'd recommend a 360.