1996–97 Nationalliga B season

The 1996-97 Nationalliga B season was the 50th season of the league as the second-level of Swiss ice hockey. SC Herisau won the championship and was promoted to the Nationalliga A.

First round

 * Genève-Servette HC – HC Ajoie 3:2 (3:7, 5:3, 0:5 Forfeit, 5:2, 4:3)
 * EHC Olten – HC Luzern 3:1 (3:2, 1:5, 2:1, 4:2)

Second round

 * HC Luzern – HC Ajoie 3:1 (1:6, 1:0, 8:2, 3:0)