| Gender: | men |
| Division: | iii |
| Year: | 1996 |
| Duration: | October 1996– March 22, 1997 |
| Champ Stad: | Nelson Recreation Center |
| Champ City: | Middlebury, Vermont |
| Champ: | Middlebury |
| Sid Watson: | Steve Toll |
| Sid Watson Team: | RIT |
The 1996–97 NCAA Division III men's ice hockey season began in November 1996 and concluded on March 22 of the following year. This was the 24th season of Division III college ice hockey.
| Tournament | Dates | Teams | Champion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Devil Invitational | October 25–26 | 4 | Mercyhurst |
| Pepsi Invitational | November 1–2 | 4 | |
| RIT Tournament | November 1–2 | 4 | RIT |
| Canisius Invitational | November 3–4 | 4 | Canisius |
| Cardinal Classic | November 29–30 | 4 | Plattsburgh State |
| Charles Luce Tournament | November 30–December 1 | 4 | Connecticut College |
| Hamot Hockey Classic | December 13–14 | 4 | Mercyhurst |
| Codfish Bowl | December 28–29 | 4 | Norwich |
| Holy Cross Tournament | January 3–4 | 4 | Plattsburgh State |
| Elmira Tournament | January 4–5 | 4 | Niagara |
Note: Mini-game are not included in final standings
See main article: article and 1997 NCAA Division III Men's Ice Hockey Tournament.
Note: * denotes overtime period(s)