The 1996–97 WHL season was the 31st season for the Western Hockey League. Eighteen teams completed a 72-game season. The Lethbridge Hurricanes won the President's Cup. League notes The Edmonton Ice joined the WHL as its 18th franchise, playing in the Central Division. The Swift Current Broncos moved to the East Division. Regular season Final standings Scoring leaders Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalties in minutes Goaltending leaders Note: GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties ; GA = Goals against; SO = Total shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average 1997 WHL Playoffs Top eight teams in the Eastern Conference (East and Central divisions) qualified for playoffs Top six teams in the Western Conference (division) qualified for the playoffs Conference Quarterfinals Eastern Conference Western Conference Conference semifinals Conference finals WHL Championship All-Star game On January 22, the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 7–5 at Spokane, Washington before a WHL record crowd of 10,455. WHL awards All-Star Teams See also 1997 Memorial Cup 1997 NHL Entry Draft 1996 in sports 1997 in sports References whl.ca 2005–06 WHL Guide Western Hockey League seasons WHL WHL