Charles "Chay" Genoway was born on December 20, 1986 in Morden, Manitoba. Genoway attended the University of North Dakota where, at the time of his graduation he ranked as the fourth highest-scoring defenceman in school history.
Undrafted by an NHL club, Genoway signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Wild on April 12, 2011, joining the club's AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros for the 2011-12. In his fist pro campaign, he would appear in 72 games, recording seven goals and 28 assists. In addition, Genoway would get his first taste of NHL action during the 2011-12 season. He would record an assist, his first NHL point in a 4-1 loss against the Phoenix Coyotes.
On March 14, 2013 Genoway was traded to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick.
