1996–97 I-Divisioona season

The 1996–97 I-Divisioona season was the 23rd season of the I-Divisioona, the second level of Finnish ice hockey. 16 teams participated in the league, and Karhut won the championship. The top six teams from the final round qualified for the promition/relegation round of the SM-liiga.

Relegation

 * Kiekko-67 Turku - Vaasan Sport 1:2 (5:3, 2:7, 1:2 OT)
 * Diskos Jyväskylä - Titaanit Kotka 2:1 (5:3, 1:2, 4:1)