1996-97 North Central Hockey League season

This is the 1996-97 North Central Hockey League season, the league's 40th season.

Playoffs

 * Preliminary Round

McCreary defeated Rossburn 2-games-to-none Blanshard defeated Minnedosa 2-games-to-none Birtle defeated Reston 2-games-to-1 Oak Lake defeated Kenton 2-games-to-none
 * Quarter Finals

Oak Lake defeated Virden 3-games-to-2 Miniota defeated Birtle 3-games-to-none Blanshard defeated McAuley 3-games-to-1 Hamiota defeated McCreary 3-games-to-2
 * Semi Finals

Miniota defeated Oak Lake Blanshard defeated Hamiota 3-games-to-1
 * Final

Miniota defeated Blanshard