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 promotion and 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)