This is the 1996-97 North Central Alberta Junior Hockey League (renamed Noralta Junior Hockey League in 2003) season. The league was known as the North Central Junior Hockey League prior to this season. The league consisted of the returning Edmonton Braves, St. Albert, Sherwood Park and Thorhild teams. The league added teams in Calahoo, Morinville, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont Braves (formerly Edmonton Braves), Paul Band, and Legal. No standings are available.