A John Jay High School female student was called up to play goalie for the boy's hockey team after COVID-19 sidelined its starting goalie.

Dylan Rogers was the starting goalie for John Jay Cross River, but the junior was forced to quarantine for several games because of COVID-19.

So the Wolves called on their back-up netminder, freshman Erin Samuelson.

Dylan Rogers was the starting goalie for John Jay Cross River, but the junior was forced to quarantine for several games because of COVID-19.

So the Wolves called on their back-up netminder, freshman Erin Samuelson.

Dylan Rogers was the starting goalie for John Jay Cross River, but the junior was forced to quarantine for several games because of COVID-19.

So the Wolves called on their back-up netminder, freshman Erin Samuelson.

"I've always loved the higher competition of the boys team, and I wanted the publicity and recognition, and I thought it was going to be the better choice for me at the higher level," Samuelson says.

Being on a boys team was nothing new for Samuelson, having played mix competition since a young age.

But unlike in the past, playing on varsity meant going up against players who were three years older than her.

"I try to keep my emotions in control, it's a big mental game. I just try to keep myself calm and just know I can do my job," Samuelson says.

"I can't make every single play, and I get beat and I say, 'Oh, no!' But then Erin just bails me out. It's like such an incredible feeling to see such incredible saves made," says teammate Doug Styles.

So far, Samuelson has started five games, winning three of them. Her biggest performance came against one of the best programs in the Hudson Valley: Mamaroneck.

The freshman was stellar between the pipes, stopping all 19 shots she faced before shutting out the Tigers.

"In the second period, I think their captain broken in on a small break away and I was able to stay big and stay out and make that save and it just helped boost my confidence and helped me stay in their and know that I can play with them," she says.

Samuelson says she plans on playing boys varsity for three more years, then furthering her career in college.

The Wolves next game is Saturday at the Brewster Ice Rink.