The 1997 Calder Cup playoffs of the American Hockey League began on April 18, 1997.
The Calder Cup Final ended on June 13, 1997, with the Hershey Bears defeating the Hamilton Bulldogs four games to one to win the eighth Calder Cup in team history.
[2] Hershey's Mike McHugh won the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as AHL playoff MVP.
[6] In each round the team that earned more points during the regular season receives home ice advantage, meaning they receive the "extra" game on home-ice if the series reaches the maximum number of games.
There is no set series format due to arena scheduling conflicts and travel considerations.