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.
Championship: March 8, 1997 † indicates conference regular season champion * indicates conference tournament champions ^ Niagara was ineligible for postseason play
Championship: March 8, 1997 † indicates conference regular season champion * indicates conference tournament champion Bemidji State was ineligible for Division III tournaments