Does anybody know for sure (found out at a tournament or heard from ffg) whether howlrunner's ability applies to counter?

Q: When a squadron with counter performs its counter attack, can it resolve abilities that affect an attack?

A: Yes. A counter attack functions just like a normal attack except that the dice gathered for the attack are indicated by the squadron’s counter value instead of its anti-squadron armament. They can be affected by the swarm keyword, Howlrunner’s ability, etc

Just in case numerous responses help prove the point, I'm with CaribbeanNinja on this one. Counter is an attack and anything that applies to attacks applies to the Counter attack. This includes Howlrunner's ability as well as the Swarm bonus already on the Interceptors.

Q: When a squadron with counter performs its counter attack, can it resolve abilities that affect an attack?

A: Yes. A counter attack functions just like a normal attack except that the dice gathered for the attack are indicated by the squadron’s counter value instead of its anti-squadron armament. They can be affected by the swarm keyword, Howlrunner’s ability, etc

Awesome thank you