1996–97 OHL season

The 1996–97 OHL season was the 17th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Ottawa 67's. The Niagara Falls Thunder move to Erie becoming the Erie Otters.

The 67's waived their right to a first-round bye, having lost in the second round the previous season after accepting a first-round bye.