1996–97 WHL season

The 1996–97 WHL season was the 31st season of the Western Hockey League. Eighteen teams completed a 72 game season. The Lethbridge Hurricanes won the President's Cup.

League notes

 * The Edmonton Ice joined the WHL as it's 18th franchise, playing out of the Central division.
 * The Swift Current Broncos moved to the East division.

Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalties in minutes

Goaltending leaders
Note: GP = Games Played; TOI = Total ice time; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties ; GA = Goals against; SO = Total shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average

Conference Quarterfinals

 * Top eight teams in the Eastern Conference (East and Central divisions) qualified for playoffs
 * Top six teams in the Western Conference (division) qualified for the playoffs

WHL Championship
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All-Star Game
On January 22, the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 7–5 at Spokane, Washington before a WHL record crowd of 10,455.