For the Cicero-North Syracuse ice hockey team, the first test of 2012 might prove the biggest one, as it clashes with 10-0, state no. 1-ranked defending Section III champion West Genesee on the Wildcats’ own imposing home ice at Shove Park in Camillus. At least the Northstars go in with some momentum, though, as it beat Auburn 7-4 last Friday afternoon at the Twin Rinks to improve to 6-2 on the season. Off for a week since a narrow 4-3 decision over Fulton on Dec. 23, CNS’s defense remained shaky in the first period against the Maroons as it allowed a pair of goals. However, the Northstars atoned with its own potent attack, constantly finding the net to seize a 4-2 lead. Auburn closed the gap to 5-4 in the second period, but CNS’s defense blanked the Maroons in the final 15 minutes. Eric Hamilton and Connor Doren carried the attack, Hamilton pouring in four goals and Doren managing his own three-goal hat trick. Jesse Farabee fed both of them with four assists as Matt Fiume also got an assist. CNS goalie Alex Johnston recorded 29 saves. Right after meeting West Genesee, CNS returns home for its annual Optimists Tournament, meeting Greece Odyssey in Friday night’s opening round at 8 p.m. The consolation and championship games are Saturday.