Branislav Konrád, a prominent goalkeeper in Slovakia's ice hockey scene over the past decade, has recently retired from professional play. His retirement was influenced by ongoing issues with his hips, an ailment that he attributes to the modern demands of the goaltending position. Despite stepping away from competitive play, Konrád continues to engage with the sport by training young goalkeepers in his hometown of Nitra.

Reflecting on his career, Konrád highlights the historic bronze medal he earned at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing as his crowning achievement. At that event, he was part of the national team alongside Patrik Rybár and Matej Tomek. In his recent interviews, he discusses the collaborative effort within the team, including his thoughts on working with talented players like Juraj Slafkovský and the coaching strategies of Craig Ramsay. He emphasizes how this Olympic experience differed from past events, especially with the inclusion of NHL players, and the potential impact on the Slovak team dynamics.

Konrád also sheds light on the physical toll modern goaltending takes on players, particularly concerning hip joint health. He advocates for a reevaluation of training techniques to better protect young athletes entering the sport. As he transitions into a mentorship role, he remains hopeful about the next generation of Slovak goalkeepers and what the future holds for them on international stages.