Teen Hockey player with St. Joseph ties in national competition

WEST BEND, Wisc. (KQTV) -- Carter Halling is a 17-year-old hockey player who currently suits up for a junior league out of state and also has the chance to be the "Youth Athlete of the Year" in a national competition.

Halling began his hockey career with the St. Joseph Griffons, a competitive club team that plays at Bode Ice Arena in St. Joseph. He eventually left home at 15 and began living with host families to continue his dream of playing competitive hockey.

After his mother submitted him for the Youth Athlete of the Year competition, he's now close to making the finals and has a chance to win big.

In the competition, the winner will be featured in a national advertising campaign for 3BRAND, an athletic clothing company centered around former NFL Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl-winning quarterback legend Russell Wilson. The winning athlete's 3BRAND ad appearance would include appearances in Sports Illustrated and on the CBS network.

Along with being featured on the national stage, the athlete will also take home $25,000, which Halling would intend to use to further his hockey career. Plus, the winner also gets a one-on-one mentoring session with the former Seahawk Wilson himself.

To vote for Halling for free, click here.