Canada

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield shows his colours in photo posted on Twitter on Jan. 6, 2013. "With the lockout finally ending and a 50-game NHL season about to begin, I am ready to cheer from orbit. Go Leafs!," noted Hadfield. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Hadfield, NASA, via Twitter

Orbiting Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield remains steadfast in his life-long love for the National Hockey League's Toronto Maple Leafs.

When the end of the NHL lockout was first announced, Hadfield showed his support for the team by tweeting a picture of himself holding a Leafs plaque.

That didn't sit well with many hockey fans, including former Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau, who fired off a tweet promoting the Montreal Canadiens.

During his first news conference from the International Space Station today, Hadfield was asked his feelings about the Habs.

He replied he is pleased the NHL is starting up and that he is looking forward to watching the games when they're piped up to the space station.

The native of Sarnia, Ont., says the Leafs were the first team he fell in love with and that he has been loyal to Toronto his whole life.

The Canadian space veteran joked that the Leafs are still unbeaten and he is hoping that will continue through the season.

Editor's note: This is for Rob B. our resident Leaf fan. 'Was Hadfield afraid to show he was a fan on this planet? Understandable. I hope this does not become a 'Beef' .'